This is an exciting time at the Adelaide Zoo, with several significant projects planned for the near future. Zoos SA, Adelaide and South Australia offer a great opportunity for a career in a Zoological setting. Access to the Australian wilds, a great and affordable quality of life, and a position in a forward-facing and growing conservation organisation make for a very attractive opportunity.Adelaide Zoo is looking for an experienced, motivated and enthusiastic keeper to join the Life Science team across the Nature Theatre and Natives team within the Adelaide Zoo curatorial team. The roles will be offered on a 1.0 FTE permanent basis (over a 7-day roster).ABOUT THE ROLE...The successful candidate will be guided by Zoos SA's values and work with the keeping teams to achieve the goals in the Strategic and Business Plans. In addition, you will, under general supervision and within specified guidelines, perform all keeping duties safely, efficiently and effectively.Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team and independently are essential. Keeper presentations and guest interactions on encounters and behind-the-scenes tours require providing engaging and professional connections with our visitors. Training and conditioning skills and basic maintenance skills are highly desirable.As part of our Life Sciences team, day-to-day tasks may include:
- Undertaking daily operations and husbandry duties;
- Providing input into exhibit and enclosure planning, development, design and maintenance, ensuring animal husbandry and welfare standards are met and relevant protocols followed;
- Liaising closely with the Assistant Curator, Curator, and external partners about conservation initiatives;
- Participating in the implementation and monitoring of behavioural enrichment and training and conditioning programs to affect animal behaviour and allow routine examinations and procedures without distress;
- Undertaking informal presentations and 'Keeper Talks', which may involve animal handling, presenting to public groups and responding to questions;
- Working consistently by established safety procedures to ensure animal security, personal safety, protection of co-workers and the public;
- Working in line with relevant Policies and Procedures/Standard Operating Procedures; and
- As a keeper at Adelaide Zoo, you may be required to work in other sections of the Curatorial Department as the business needs demand.
- Extensive experience working within a zoological setting is required;
- Previous experience in animal training and excellent presentation skills are desirable;
- Certificate III in Captive Animals or other relevant and acceptable Zoo Keeping qualifications;
- The ability to arrange personal work routines and practices to make optimum use of time;
- Knowledge and experience in the captive management of a large range of species, management systems and conservation programs; and
- High level of communication and interpersonal skills with external stakeholders, peers, staff, volunteers and the public with the ability to deliver public presentations and review visitor experiences.
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