Zoos SA is a not-for-profit conservation charity that exists to save species from extinction and connect people with nature. As one of the largest open range zoos in the world, spanning more than 1,500 hectares of fauna and flora, we're excited to be expanding Monarto Safari Park, the largest safari park that will exist outside of Africa. Complete with a first-of-its-kind luxury resort and glamping facilities, by 2025 Monarto Safari Park will offer longer visits and a range of new and wild safari experiences in an area known as Wild Africa including incredible tours through herds of roaming animals and a huge walk-through lemur habitat.

ABOUT THE ROLE...

Monarto Safari Park is looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Keeper of Natives, who will support and lead the Native team in the daily operational aspects of the native fauna collection including tours and public presentations; providing excellent husbandry and welfare and doing this in a safe and efficient manner. As well this position will support the Assistant Curator with the mentoring, training and development of team members. This is a permanent full time position working across a seven day roster.

The successful candidate will be guided by Zoos SA's values and work with the Keeping team 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. Experience working with Native fauna within a zoological setting; breed for release programs; the ability to provide engaging and professional connections with our visitors and partners are essential.  Experience managing and mentoring a team; fieldwork; 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 Natives team;
• Perform daily operational tasks and husbandry aspects required for the 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, Animal Health, Animal Behaviour and Creative Programs and Conservation departments with regards to conservation initiatives and messaging of ZSA support of these 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 Native team, as well as other sections where appropriate;
• Undertaking informal presentations and ‘Keeper Talks' 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;
• Actively participating in regular meetings with the Veterinary team to discuss the wellbeing and health of the Native collection, communicating this to the wider team and effectively implementing any required action;
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with outside suppliers and manage food supplies;
• Undertake routine and specialist administrative and front line management tasks.

ABOUT YOU...

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

• Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care is essential;
• Previous experience managing a team;
• Previous field experience and/or working with breed for release programs highly desirable.
• 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 Native species);
• 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;
• Ability to drive a manual vehicle required and 4WD experience preferred; and
• Apply creative and outside the box solutions to difficult challenges.

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 in animal welfare, species conservation, and an eagerness to support the operation of a major Safari Park’s Life Sciences team, we would love to hear from you!

APPLY NOW!

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE!