Head Of Department (Australasia)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for someone to join the Australasia team as the ‘Head of Department’!

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.

With several specialised sections, our dedicated ‘Head of Departments’ are an integral part of the Australia Zoo framework.  To be successful in this role, you will have a demonstrated understanding of the duties and be sensitive to the needs of the individuals that you care for.  You will have the ability to work within a high performance environment, with a capacity to deliver all requirements of the role.

As a Head of Department within Australasia, you are responsible for ensuring a high level of welfare is met for the animals and staff within your care.  You will be required to perform particular duties associated with your department and report accordingly to the Curator.

As the Head of Department, you will ensure that all Australia Zoo policies and procedures are adhered to within the team. You will be familiar with the 5 domains and contribute to the continuous improvement of animal husbandry needs across your department.  You must also have a demonstrated understanding of operant conditioning.

As the Head of Department within Australasia, you will encourage staff to contribute to the Mission and Goals of the facility by remaining familiar with all conservation projects, meeting customer service expectations and professional growth!

As a Head of Department within Australasia, there is an expectation that you will further your own knowledge and development across animal care and conservation, participate in frequent performance reviews, provide feedback and receive constructive feedback relevant to your role.

Duties Include – 

• Assist in meeting the operational requirements of the department by ensuring appropriate direction of the Curator of Native Mammals and Keeper Management team is followed.
• Complete food preparation for the animals assigned to your care, and understand the dynamic of the species dietary requirements and assist with team training when required.
• Direct staff to complete daily husbandry requirements of the department and ensure cleaning and maintenance of animal habitats are completed daily.
• Liaise with the Curator of Native Mammals and Keeper Management team regarding any daily instructions and concerns that may occur and ensure this is communicated effectively throughout the team.
• Ensure the highest quality of animal welfare is provided to all animals and team in your care (including enrichment, diets, conditioning and environment).
• Assist the Curator of Native Mammals and Keeper Management Team with performance management, feedback discussions, performance reviews and department specific training.
• Deliver daily public demonstrations and keeper talks when applicable and assist with training surrounding this with new staff members.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, and ensure appropriate record keeping expectations are met for the animals in your care (including diaries, verbal communication and ZIMS).
• Assisting veterinarians and medical staff with relevant procedures when directed by the Curator of Native Mammals and ensure each team member is adequately informed of the process prior to any medical procedure taking place.
• Ensure husbandry requirements of the species are met.
• Maintain a high standard of service by ensuring great customer service and cleanliness.
• Ensure an understanding of the 5 domains and accreditation process to ensure the positive welfare of the animals.
• Understand the components of operant and classical conditioning and training; including why these techniques are utilised.
• Understand the natural history of species in your care and ensure appropriate care is provided at all times.
• Understand the individual history of species in your care and ensure appropriate care is provided at all times.
• Provide staff performance reviews and feedback to individuals within the team.
• Participate in recruitment for the team, in collaboration with the Curator of Native Mammals and Human Resources.
• Provide and coordinate all staff training within the department, and liaise with the Human Resources department when external training gaps are identified.
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of hygiene and biosecurity requirements.
• Demonstrate continual self-development/motivation/enhancement by ensuring all department induction manuals and training documents are completed appropriately.
• Actively collaborate with team members, communicate effectively and offer assistance whenever possible.
• Demonstrate effective communication strategies – both verbal and written.
• Ensure all workplace health and safety guidelines relevant to the role are followed appropriately.
• In conjunction with the Curator of Native Mammals and Keeper Management team, you must promote a positive team culture through the promotion of the Australia Zoo vision and mission.

Essential Criteria – 

• Hold current Driver’s Licence (manual)
• Available to work weekends, public holidays, and school holiday periods
• Experience in a similar role and long term commitment to Australia Zoo
• Experience leading a medium sized team
• Experience with conflict resolution
• Experience working with Australasia Department Species (Dingo, Tasmanian Devil, Koala, Kangaroo, Echidna, Wombat, Binturong, Asian-Small Clawed Otters)
• Proof of Q-Fever Vaccination (unless otherwise exempt)

Preferred Criteria – 

• Current Advanced First Aid and CPR Qualifications
• Any other relevant certificates
• Cert III in Captive animals (or equivalent)
• Bachelor of Zoology (or equivalent)

Apply for this job below.

Here is a checklist of information you will need to have ready before you start to complete the employment application form:

• 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
• Any other info that may support your application