Herpetofauna Keeper

• Located at Sydney's Iconic - Taronga Zoo
• Ongoing Full-time position
• TCSA Salaried Employees Award, annual package $58,148 (Trainee keeper) to $100,785 (Senior Keeper) (includes base salary $51,531 to $89,316 plus superannuation & leave loading)

Taronga is on the lookout for a passionate and dedicated Trainee Keeper to join our world-class team If you're motivated, eager to learn, and ready to make a real impact in conservation and wildlife care, this is your chance to be part of something extraordinary.

This exciting opportunity sits within our Herpetofauna Division, home to a fascinating variety of reptiles and amphibians. You'll not only gain hands-on experience with these incredible species, but also contribute to important conservation recovery programs that are making a difference across Australia.

Join us and help shape unforgettable experiences for our visitors, while playing a key role in protecting the natural world.

About the Role…

We're looking for someone who's not only passionate about wildlife but also committed to delivering the highest standards of animal care and inspiring our guests through meaningful conservation storytelling.

As a Keeper in our Herpetofauna Division, you'll play a key role in the daily care and wellbeing of a diverse range of reptiles and amphibians — both within the zoo's general collection and across our vital conservation programs, including the Live Breeding Unit.

You'll bring with you a solid foundation in best-practice husbandry techniques, hands-on experience with enclosure maintenance and basic exhibit design, and the ability to communicate clearly and confidently — both in writing and in person.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to Taronga's mission to secure a shared future for wildlife and people.

Key accountabilities…

• Work without supervision to safely provide high quality animal husbandry and management techniques in line with Taronga policies and procedures to assist Taronga in meeting WHS and animal care and welfare targets and in complying with all relevant legislation.
• Comply with Taronga's Animal Welfare Charter to ensure industry leading standards of animal welfare are maintained and animals in our care are assured of Taronga's 5 Freedoms.
• Communicate Taronga's education and conservation messages both internally and externally, ensuring all communications align with Taronga's values to inspire behavioural change in accordance with Taronga's vision and strategic pillars.
• Deliver high quality customer services experiences in order to provide excellent guest experiences and promote repeat visitation.
• Work effectively as a member of a high performing team including peers, volunteers and students to assist Taronga in its achievement of strategic outcomes.
• Comply with sustainability practices in the workplace to help achieve Taronga's sustainability targets and reduce environmental impact.

About You…

We are looking for candidates that have:

· NSW C Class Drivers License (or ability to transfer current unrestricted license)

· TB Screening

· Vaccinations against Zoonotic disease (in accordance with Taronga's Zoonotic disease vaccination matrix)

· Obtain and maintain a current paid NSW Working with Children Check at own expense.

Benefits…

Our employees enjoy generous employment conditions including some of the following:

· Flexible Hybrid work model - Taronga supports a blend of in-office, remote, and on-the-go workers

· Complimentary family and friends passes across both Taronga's Sydney & Dubbo Zoo's

· Free onsite car parking, outside of peak periods

· A wide range of discounts on our award winning accommodation across both sites

· Discounted food and beverage purchases across the sites

· Discounted Fitness Passport

· We're a social team - there's always lots going on around the zoo that we get involved with

· more

We Value Diversity…

Taronga is an equal opportunity employer, where we recognise the diversity of our workforce and community – be it on the basis of gender, age, culture, religion, language or personal circumstances.

Taronga is also committed to building on the perspectives, experience, knowledge and skills that this diversity brings to our organisation.

About Applying…

Please submit your resume and a cover letter of one page. You are also required to complete the below target questions as part of your application.

1. Outline your experience working with Herpetofauna. What are some key highlights from your paid working career in this industry.

2. What experience do you have working with venomous reptiles? Which species do you have experience in handling and what level of skill have you developed in venomous snake handling.

3. How many years of paid full time equivalent work do you have in zookeeping?

Applications Close: Midnight, Monday 9 June 2025