General Keepers

Australia Zoo has an exciting opportunity available for an experienced General Elephant Keeper to join our team in a Full Time Capacity here at Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, where we recognise the diversity of our workforce and community - be it on the basis of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We provide specific workplace programs to support diversity and equal employment opportunities for women, people with disabilities and all cultural backgrounds.
This position is primarily responsible for ensuring the care and well-being of our beautiful Sumatran Elephants. You must be understanding and sensitive to the ever-evolving needs of the animals in your care. You are responsible for the animals' exhibits, maintenance, landscaping and presentations at daily demonstrations wherever applicable.
**Primary Duties -**
- Training animals to obey verbal and non-verbal commands by using Operant Conditioning Techniques.
- Undertake cleaning and maintenance of the elephant and other animal enclosures as required along with general husbandry tasks within these areas.
- Assist with the planning, development and construction of enclosures to ensure safety is maintained for all staff, contractors and animals nearby.
- Conducting safe elephant handling techniques safely under the direction of senior handlers.
- Conduct frequent animal health checks and report any concerns immediately to the appropriate Head of Department and Veterinarian.
- Prepare food and conduct feeding of elephants and other animals in accordance with dietary requirements, feeding schedules and procedures.
- Maintain records of observations and reports on animal behaviour and/or breeding via ZIMS.
- Conduct environment and enclosure safety checks to ensure the health and safety of all parties is maintained.
- Undertake care of animals, ensuring safety and gentle handling is always maintained.
- Undertake enrichment programs, adjusted and composed for each individual.
- Provide a high level of customer service at all times.
- Assist with preparation of each individual for travel in a safe manner with minimum stress to the animal.
- Undertake public speaking and/or delivery of demonstrations and educate the public about conservation.
- Knowledge of basic husbandry requirements.
- Ensure a knowledge of all relevant conservation programs Australia Zoo contributes to.
- Take responsibility for your own skill development and progression throughout all training aspects of the role.
- Work within guidelines if health and safety procedures to ensure security of animals, staff and guests.
- Commitment to the Australia Zoo Group's policies and procedures.
- Participate in performance training and development reviews as requested by the company both on and off the job.
- Attend meetings as requested by your Supervisor/HOD or Senior Management.
- Other duties as requested by your Supervisor/HOD or Senior Management.

**Essential Criteria -**
- A minimum of 1 year experience working with Elephants and large animals.
- A minimum of 2 years' experience working within the Captive Animal Industry.
- Experience conducting enriching activities, exercising and husbandry routines.
- A sound knowledge of elephant dietary requirements and the ability to construct, prepare and review ever-evolving feeding regimes.
- A demonstrated ability to handle conflict and high risk/high pressure situations.
- Experience conducting health checks on large species.
- Knowledge of zoonotic diseases and up to date immunisations of all those relevant (Q-fever, Tetanus).
- Knowledge of Australia Zoo's missions and goals, along with Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors vision.
- A current manual driver's license and reliable vehicle for getting to and from work.
- A high level of physical fitness, and the ability to perform manual tasks.
- 7 day availability, including weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
- Proof of Coronavirus Vaccination (unless otherwise exempt).
- Q-fever Vaccination (unless otherwise exempt).

**Preferred Criteria -**
- Current 1st Aid qualifications.
- Any other relevant certificates/qualifications involving Leadership, Training, WHS.
- Any other relevant certificates/qualifications surrounding captive animal care and isolated species care.
- Experience with Operant Conditioning techniques.
- Australian firearms license.
- Experience using ZIMS and keeping accurate records of all animal behaviours and interactions.
- Experience writing policies/procedures associated with elephants and other large captive species.
- Education history
- Employment history
- References
- Any qualifications you may have e.g. First Aid
- Any achievements you may like to tell us about
- Your availability (what hours can you work)
- A resume in.pdf or.doc format