ABOUT THE ROLE...

Adelaide Zoo is looking for an experienced, motivated and enthusiastic Senior Keeper to lead and inspire the team. The role is based within the Ungulates section and will be offered on a permanent full time capacity (over a 7 day roster).

This is an exciting time at Adelaide Zoo and the Senior Keeper would be expected to play a key role in future developments on site. Zoos SA, Adelaide and South Australia offer a great opportunity for a career zoo professional. Ready 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.

The successful candidate will be guided by Zoos SA's values and work with the Keeping teams to achieve the goals set out in the Strategic and Business Plans. In addition, they will, under general supervision and within specified guidelines, perform all keeping duties in a safe, efficient and effective manner. Extensive experience working with Ungulates within a zoological setting, as well as experience managing and mentoring a team is essential.

Furthermore, the role is responsible for daily operations, including managing numerous aspects of staffing and animal transactions, as well as managing the husbandry aspects of the collection within the Ungulates section. This position is for a seven day roster and a hands-on role with approximately 80% of time spent on keeping rounds.

Excellent communication skills as well as 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 the ability to provide engaging and professional connections with our visitors. Training and conditioning skills and basic maintenance skills are highly desirable.

As part of our Life Sciences management team, day-to-day tasks may include:

• Provide mentoring and leadership to the Ungulates team;
• Undertaking daily operations and husbandry aspects of the Ungulates collection;
• 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, the Animal Health, Animal Behaviour and Creative Programs departments, as well as external partners with regards to conservation initiatives and in particular breed-and-release programs;
• 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;
• Providing guidance and direction to the Ungulates team, as well as other sections where appropriate;
• Undertaking informal presentations and ‘Keeper Talks', which may involve animal handling, presenting to public groups and responding to questions;
• Working consistently in accordance with established safety procedures to ensure animal security, personal safety, protection of co-workers and the public;
• Working in line with relevant Policy and Procedures/Standard Operating Procedures and providing feedback and proactive suggestions for change as required;and
• Actively participating in regular meetings with the Veterinary team to discuss the wellbeing and health of the Ungulates collection, communicating this to the wider team and effectively implementing any required action.

As a keeper at Adelaide Zoo you may be required to work in other sections of the Curatorial Department as the business needs demand.

ABOUT YOU...

To be considered for this position you will need to meet the following selection criteria:

• Certificate III in Captive Animals is essential;
• Previous experience managing a team;
• Ability to arrange personal work routines and practices to make optimum use of time;
• Knowledge and experience in captive management of a range of species (in particular Ungulates species), as well as management systems and in-situ and ex-situ conservation programs;
• High level of communication and interpersonal skills with external stakeholders, peers, staff, volunteers and public, with the ability to deliver public presentations and review visitor experiences.; and
• Basic horticulture and maintenance skills.

HOW TO APPLY...

Please complete the requested work history & education information on the application page, attach your resume and any certificates in the education section. This will assist us in assessing your suitability for this role.

Zoos SA is passionately committed to equal employment opportunity. We believe diversity, inclusion and reconciliation are fundamental to our rich organisational culture and values, and we demonstrate this commitment through all our employment practices so that our people continue to reflect the local communities in which we work.

If you have a strong passion for animal welfare, species conservation and an eagerness to support the operation of a major Zoo's Keeping team, we would love to hear from you!

Please visit the Careers section of the Zoos SA website to apply.

APPLY NOW!!!!

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Adelaide 5000 SA

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