Team Leader

BILLABONG ZOO, PORT MACQUARIE

Billabong Zoo is a family owned and operated zoo set on a picturesque ten acres on the outskirts of beautiful Port Macquarie. We have grown rapidly over the past ten years as our collection has diversified from primarily Australian natives to a variety of exotic species including primates and small and large carnivores. With around 100 species and over 270 animals on site, the zoo employs around 35 staff across many departments.

We are a small and dedicated team who are committed to conservation through education and strive to form connections between our guests and ambassador animals during keeper presentations, and up close encounters. This hands on approach allows our guests to develop a strong appreciation for our native and exotic wildlife and this provides the perfect opportunity for us to encourage our visitors to take action and support the work of our conservation partners and international conservation efforts.

The zoo itself is operated by its two directors and two management staff. Our animals and grounds are cared for on average by around 11 zookeepers and two maintenance staff. The zookeeping team is led by 4 Team Leaders that are each responsible for an allocation of the zoo animals.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and passionate zookeeper to join our team on a permanent and full time basis, working 38 hours per week including some weekend days and public holidays.

The role we are currently recruiting for is the role of Herpetology Team Leader, whom ideally will also oversee our five species of primates and three species small exotic carnivores. The primary skillset requirements for this role will be demonstrated ability to care for a large collection of reptiles with emphasis on being extremely capable with all husbandry requirements of venomous snakes including handling and restraining. Billabong Zoo's reptile collection consists of around 38 species of reptiles and amphibians, 75 individual’s total. 50% of which are displayed in natural habitats for the general public to view.

We are also in the process of expanding the roll into breed and release programs for reptiles and amphibians in conjunction with Australian Universities. The remaining animals are off display and utilized in on and off site demonstrations or personal encounters with the general public. It will be the responsibility of the Team Leader to not only support all husbandry requirements of these animals. But aid in the training and education of other staff and students that may require it. The successful candidate will need to have demonstrated such skills in an industry setting and provide reputable professional reference to support this.

Billabong Zoo's desire is to find a Herpetology Team Leader that would also be able to oversee our five current species of primate. We are home to two Black-handed Spider Monkey pair, two Cotton-Topped Tamarins, two Golden Lion Tamarins, two Pigmy Marmosets, and four Common Marmosets. In addition to our small exotic carnivores the Meerkats, Fennec Foxes, and Red Pandas.

Be it that our priority is to find someone with demonstrated ability in the captive husbandry of reptiles and amphibians. For the right candidate the zoo is happy to support on the job training for the skilling required to provide a high level of husbandry for our primates and small carnivores.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• High level of experience with the husbandry requirements of captive reptiles and amphibians.
• The ability to administering medications and treatments to reptiles where needed.
• Experience with Large Crocodilian. Feeding, cleaning and demonstration for the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to service, handle and restrain venomous snakes in a zookeeping setting.
• Willing to work weekends and public holidays as required.
• Minimum 18 months+ paid experience in the zoo keeping industry.
• Certificate III in Captive Animal Management (or higher/ equivalent)
• C Class Driver’s License
• Ability to work in a highly physical role
• Demonstrated ability to maintain thorough records in a zoological workplace

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Experience with primates and small carnivores
• Experience delivering keeper talks and presentations to the general public
• Experience conducting personal animal encounters with patrons of a zoo or wildlife park inside and outside animal exhibits
• Experience leading and training staff in a zookeeping setting.
• Working with Children’s Certificate
• Current First Aid certificate

HOW TO APPLY

Please sent a written application with the subject line “Team Leader - Herpetology and Exotics” to *****@billabongkoala.com.au to apply. Include your resume with two work related phone contactable referees, a cover letter of no more than 1 page and no more than 1 page addressing the above criteria. If this ad is still live on the ASZK careers page, then the role is still open so please apply as soon as you can.

Due to the high quantity of applicants we receive not all applicants with move on to the second round of the recruitment process to be interviewed. But we would like to thank any and all of you that have shown interest in the role. If you do progress you will be asked to attend an interview via Zoom and will receive a link via email. This can be done with most mobile phones, tablets and laptops. Information regarding wages and rostering will be provided during this interview. And any questions you may have about the role can be answered at this time also.