Job openings

Are you ready to take the next step in your zoo career?

Zoos SA is looking for an experienced and passionate animal professional to join our Life Sciences team as an Assistant Curator at Adelaide Zoo.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to further develop their skills in animal management, team leadership and operational coordination within a progressive zoological organisation.

We’re interested in hearing from people with a strong background in animal husbandry and a genuine passion for leading people and delivering high standards of animal care. We are open to experience across different taxa, and are more interested in your leadership capability, animal management experience and approach than a particular taxonomic background.

About the Role
Reporting to the Curator, the Assistant Curator plays a key role in supporting the daily operations of the Life Sciences team. The position focuses on:

• Providing leadership and operational support to a high-performing team
• Assisting with the delivery of best-practice husbandry, animal welfare and safety standards
• Mentoring and developing staff through coaching, training and feedback
• Contributing to planning, rostering, documentation and positive team culture
• Supporting the delivery of engaging visitor experiences and conservation messaging
• Acting as Duty Manager on a rostered basis, including weekends and public holidays

This is a permanent, full-time position working a 5-day roster. The role is based at Adelaide Zoo, but may involve working across different sections depending on operational requirements.

About You
We’re looking for someone who lives Zoos SA’s values and is excited by the opportunity to lead, develop others and contribute at a higher level.

You’ll bring:

• A minimum Certificate III in Captive Animals, or equivalent qualifications and experience
• Previous experience in a leadership, supervisory, or team coordination role.
• Strong animal husbandry experience and a commitment to high standards of animal welfare
• Strong communication skills and the ability to lead and support a team with professionalism and positivity
• A proactive approach to safety, animal welfare and operational problem-solving
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to support the team wherever needed
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with confidence in documentation and planning
• The ability to build positive relationships and contribute to a strong team culture

We’re happy to consider candidates from various zoological and animal care backgrounds. What truly matters most are your skills, experience, and leadership qualities, rather than the specific taxa you've worked with.

If you’re an experienced keeper ready to take the next step, or an established leader looking for a new challenge, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter and current resume outlining your relevant experience, leadership capability and why you are interested in the Assistant Curator position.

Your cover letter should demonstrate how your skills, experience and approach align with the requirements of the role and Zoos SA’s values.

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 are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or require reasonable adjustments, please contact Genesse via 08 8230 1211 and [email protected]

This is an exciting time at Adelaide Zoo, with several significant projects underway and planned for the future. Zoos SA offers a unique opportunity to build a career in a progressive, conservation-focused organisation delivering exceptional animal care, conservation outcomes, and memorable visitor experiences.

Adelaide Zoo is seeking two experienced, highly motivated Experienced Keepers to join our Life Sciences Curatorial team.

These positions suit experienced zoo keepers with a strong background working with exotic species and a passion for delivering exceptional animal care, welfare, and visitor experiences. Experience with dangerous or Category 1 animals, particularly primates, ungulates and carnivores, is highly desirable; however, we welcome applications from keepers with experience across a broad range of taxa.

Both positions are offered on a 1.0 FTE permanent basis, working across a 7-day roster, including weekends and public holidays.

ABOUT THE ROLE...

Guided by Zoos SA’s values, you will work collaboratively with the keeping team to deliver best-practice animal care, conservation outcomes and engaging visitor experiences. Under general supervision and within established guidelines, you will safely and effectively undertake a broad range of animal keeping and operational duties.

As an Experienced Keeper, you will contribute to the daily care and management of a diverse collection of animals. The successful applicants will be expected to demonstrate strong husbandry skills, sound animal behaviour and welfare knowledge, and the ability to work confidently with a range of species and environments.

Key responsibilities include:

• Undertaking daily husbandry and operational duties for a diverse collection of species;
• Safely handling, restraint and management of animals in accordance with established procedures and risk controls;
• Developing and maintaining positive working relationships with animals through appropriate training and conditioning techniques;
• Supporting animal training, enrichment and behavioural management programs that promote natural behaviours and positive welfare outcomes;
• Participating in breeding and conservation programs where required;
• Monitoring animal health and behaviour, and identifying and reporting changes or concerns appropriately;
• Supporting voluntary participation in routine husbandry, veterinary procedures and health checks;
• Maintaining accurate animal records, including husbandry, behavioural, breeding and veterinary information;
• Delivering engaging keeper talks, formal presentations and visitor experiences;
• Supporting the development and delivery of engaging animal presentations and interpretation activities;
• Working collaboratively with other keepers, veterinary staff, curatorial staff and other teams across Zoos SA;
• Contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of husbandry practices, animal welfare and visitor experiences;
• Working flexibly across other areas of the Curatorial Department as required, including other keeping rounds.

ABOUT YOU...

The successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Extensive professional experience working with exotic animals in a zoological, wildlife park or similar professional animal management environment;
• Experience working with dangerous or Category 1 animals is highly desirable, but not essential;
• Strong practical animal husbandry and animal management skills;
• A sound understanding of animal behaviour, welfare and positive reinforcement training principles;
• Confidence working safely with animals of varying sizes, behaviours and levels of risk;
• Experience participating in breeding programs, conservation programs or other species management initiatives is desirable;
• Demonstrated ability to identify changes in animal health, behaviour and welfare and respond appropriately;
• Strong understanding of workplace health and safety, including working safely around potentially dangerous animals;
• Confidence delivering keeper talks, presentations or visitor experiences;
• Certificate III in Captive Animals or another relevant and acceptable zoo-keeping qualification;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage visitors, staff, volunteers and external stakeholders;
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively;
• Flexibility and willingness to work across a 7-day roster, including weekends and public holidays.

HOW TO APPLY...

In your cover letter, please outline:

• Your experience working with exotic animals, including the species and taxa you have worked with;
• Your experience working with dangerous or Category 1 animals, if applicable;
• Why you are interested in joining the Curatorial team at Adelaide Zoo.

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, ensuring our people continue to reflect the local communities in which we work. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or require reasonable adjustments, please contact Genesse via 08 8230 1211 and [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

APPLY NOW!

Applications close at 5:00 pm on 26th September.

Please note that Zoos SA reserves the right to close applications early if required.

Further appointments may occur from this recruitment process.

**No Recruitment Agencies**

Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park welcome more than half a million visitors each year, and we are only getting started. With an ambitious 20-year Master Plan underway and a range of exciting projects on the horizon, now is a great time to join Zoos SA as we continue to grow, evolve, and invest in our people.

We are currently seeking an experienced, motivated, and hands-on Works Officer to join our Assets & Maintenance team at Adelaide Zoo. This is a full-time, permanent position working Monday to Friday, on a 5-day roster.

About the role:

As a Works Officer, you will play an important role in maintaining the safety, presentation and functionality of Adelaide Zoo. Working with a high level of autonomy, you will undertake a broad range of practical maintenance, repair, construction and operational support activities across animal habitats, visitor areas, workshops and operational infrastructure.

No two days will necessarily look the same. You may repair fencing, complete general maintenance, install signage, undertake carpentry or fabrication tasks, assist with exhibit improvements, operate plant and equipment, or respond to maintenance issues across the Zoo.

In this role, you will:

• Undertake reactive and preventative maintenance across animal exhibits, visitor areas, workshops and operational spaces
• Complete practical repairs including fencing, painting, paving, concreting, carpentry-style repairs and minor plumbing
• Assist with construction, fabrication, welding and installation works within your skills and competencies
• Construct, repair and install animal enrichment items, furniture, fixtures and operational infrastructure
• Maintain roads, pathways, gates, barriers and animal containment infrastructure
• Support exhibit modifications, site improvements and operational projects
• Undertake general site services including green waste and bin collection, gutter and sump cleaning and general site cleanliness
• Maintain visitor facilities including playgrounds, seating, bins, shade structures and public amenities
• Operate vehicles, plant and equipment where appropriately licensed and competent
• Respond to maintenance requests, troubleshoot issues and support the day-to-day operation of Adelaide Zoo

About you:

You are a practical, proactive person who takes pride in the quality of your work and enjoys solving problems. You are comfortable getting stuck into a variety of hands on tasks, working independently when required, and collaborating with a wider team to get the job done.

To be successful, you will have:

• A current South Australian Driver's Licence
• A White Card
• Demonstrated experience in maintenance, construction, property services or a similar hands-on operational environment
• The ability to undertake a broad range of practical maintenance and repair tasks with minimal supervision
• Experience operating tools, plant and equipment safely and effectively
• A sound understanding of Workplace Health and Safety requirements and safe work practices
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritise competing maintenance needs
• The ability to work collaboratively while also being confident working independently
• Effective communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with colleagues, visitors, contractors and other stakeholders
• A commitment to the vision, values and conservation purpose of Zoos SA

Desirable candidates will also:

• A Certificate III or equivalent qualification in a relevant trade or field would be highly regarded.
• Additional tickets, licences or experience in areas such as forklift operation, MR or HR driving, working at heights, confined spaces, elevated work platforms, welding, fabrication, fencing, carpentry, landscaping, plumbing, tractors, skid steers or loaders would also be desirable.

Why join Zoos SA?

This is more than a maintenance role. It is an opportunity to use your practical skills in a unique environment where your work directly contributes to the safety, functionality, and presentation of animal exhibits, visitor spaces, and the wider Zoo.

You will be part of a team that takes pride in delivering high standards of workmanship, working safely and finding practical solutions to keep Adelaide Zoo operating at its best.

HOW TO APPLY...

Submit your resume via the link provided.

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 across all our employment practices, ensuring our people continue to reflect the local communities in which we work. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or require reasonable adjustments, please contact Genesse via 08 8230 1211 and [email protected]

Apply now and put your practical skills to work in a place where what you do makes a difference to wildlife and people.

No recruitment agencies please.

Are you passionate about education and looking for a role with a twist? Our Education team is looking for a Conservation Educator across Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park on a casual basis.

Zoos SA is a not-for-profit conservation charity that saves species from extinction and connects people with nature. We support and conduct many conservation, breeding, and research programs, and as part of our conservation efforts, we operate both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.

At Zoos SA, we’re passionate about diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion! We believe everyone should have the chance to connect with our mission of saving species from extinction. If you think you’d be a great fit, we’d love to invite you to apply!

ABOUT THE ROLE

This role is focused on the delivery of teaching educational programs that inform, empower, and inspire students, community groups and organisational visitors to take action in conservation. 

As a Conservation Educator you will be responsible for:

• Facilitating conservation related learning opportunities for school-aged and tertiary students.
• Contributing to the design and delivery of new training programs, program evaluation and promotion in line with the Australian Curriculum.
• Interacting with the public and students to educate, raise-awareness and connect people to nature and conservation issues.
• Maintaining up to date knowledge about relevant environmental and sustainability education developments.
• Being responsible for the safety, welfare and learning outcomes of students involved in facilitated education programs.
• Assisting visiting schools to have an effective and engaging educational experience.
• Handling animals for school group presentations in collaboration with other Zoos SA employees (taking into account safety protocols and child-safe procedures); and
• Have the possibility to work with weekend and overnight programs located at both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.

ABOUT YOU

The successful applicant will be a reliable, motivated, organised, and enthusiastic team player who is looking for a challenging but rewarding role. 

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

• Outdoor Education or Early Learning (preferred).
• Teaching and curriculum development experience (desirable).
• Experience working with animals and conservation-based education (desirable).
• An understanding of action-based learning and education for sustainability principles.
• Demonstrate well-developed verbal, written communication, and presentation skills.
• Be confident working effectively with groups in busy, noisy, and outdoor situations.
• Be a self-starter with an innovative and solutions-based approach.
• Display excellent time management skills; and
• Must have current WWCC.

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU...

Zoos SA are able to offer the following employee benefits:

• Income Protection
• Membership of the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia Inc – this also enables you and your immediate family free entry to Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park
• 20% discount at the Retail stores at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park
• Free Family Member tickets and discounted ticket prices
• Discounted Animal Experiences
• Staff Well-being/Health Checks including Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and Manager Assist Programme.
• Professional Membership
• Salary Sacrifice

HOW TO APPLY

To assist us in assessing your suitability for the role, please complete the requested work history and education information on the application page, attach your resume, relevant certificates, and detailed response to the selection criteria (max 3 pages). 

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

If you have a strong passion for education, species conservation and nature-connectedness, we would love to hear from you.

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 would like to discuss your accessibility needs, please call Kaila on 08 8548 9541 or [email protected].

APPLY NOW!

No recruitment agencies please.

Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of environmental champions and looking for a role with a twist? Our Education team is looking for a Wild Learning Overnight Host to join the team across Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park on a casual basis. 

Zoos SA is a not-for-profit conservation charity that saves species from extinction and connects people with nature. We support and conduct many conservation, breeding, and research programs, and as part of our conservation efforts, we operate both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.

At Zoos SA, we’re passionate about diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion! We believe everyone should have the chance to connect with our mission of saving species from extinction. If you think you’d be a great fit, we’d love to invite you to apply!

ABOUT THE ROLE

Are you passionate about wildlife and conservation? Do you have the energy and enthusiasm to inspire the next generation of environmental champions—especially after dark? If so, we’d love you to join our team as a casual Overnight Host!

Under the guidance of the Program Manager of Wild Learning, this unique role delivers unforgettable overnight experiences that are safe, educational, and inspiring.

As an Overnight Host, you’ll be responsible for:

• Facilitating engaging, conservation-focused learning experiences for students and the public.
• Taking the lead in ensuring the safety, welfare, and learning of all participants.
• Supporting visiting schools, community groups and organisations to ensure a smooth and educational stay.
• Leading professional and educational guided experiences.
• Assisting with hospitality services, including serving food and beverages during overnight stays.

ABOUT YOU

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about conservation, sustainability, and environmental education.
• Experienced in working with school-aged children or in a public education setting.
• Comfortable working overnight hours, often independently, in a dynamic and nature-rich environment.
• A clear communicator and proactive problem-solver.
• Adaptable, enthusiastic, and eager to contribute to memorable learning experiences.

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

• Experience with providing education with a preference for providing education in the conservational field.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn of conservation, Australian and African animal species, and environmental issues and the demonstrated capacity to apply this knowledge in a visitor focused setting.
• National Police Check.
• South Australian Working with Children Check.
• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid & HLTAID012 in Education Settings.
• Completion of or willingness to complete RRHAN-EC - mandatory notification training.

It is desirable that you also have:

• Experience working in conservation-based education or a similar setting.
• Ability or willingness to learn to drive a manual vehicle.

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU...

Zoos SA are able to offer the following employee benefits:

• Income Protection
• Membership of the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia Inc – this also enables you and your immediate family free entry to Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park
• 20% discount at the Retail stores at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park
• Free Family Member tickets and discounted ticket prices
• Discounted Animal Experiences
• Staff Well-being/Health Checks including Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and Manager Assist Programme
• Professional Membership
• Salary Sacrifice

HOW TO APPLY

To assist us in assessing your suitability for the role, please complete the requested work history and education information on the application page and attach your resume.

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

If you have a strong passion for species conservation, nature-connectedness, and education, we would love to hear from you.

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 would like to discuss your accessibility needs, please call Kaila on 08 8548 9541 or [email protected].

APPLY NOW!

No recruitment agencies please.