Natives Keeper - Reptiles - Werribee Open Range Zoo

Zoos Victoria

  • Werribee, VIC
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 12 days ago
  • 1.0 FTE Ongoing
Zoos Victoria operates four landmark zoos, Healesville Sanctuary, Kyabram Fauna Park, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Victoria's zoos are made up of passionate, energetic and driven employees committed to fighting wildlife extinction. Every person, from the extensive range of disciplines, plays an important role in helping the organisation realise its vision to become a world leading zoo-based conservation organisation.The team cares for Natives species including koalas, kangaroos, emu, wallabies, lizards and some African snakes and tortoises. They also have involvement in local threatened species programs for orange-bellied parrots and plains-wanderers. The Natives team work closely with other Life Sciences departments to deliver their food preparation (Food Store), as well as commercial visitor engagement opportunities grouped into the Ranger round. Candidates will have a willingness to be flexible within the rounds of the team.The Natives team has a strong focus on positive welfare, training and enrichment for all taxa. As well as strong focus to work together in delivering effective and efficient animal husbandry whilst shaping the culture of the team around Zoos Victoria's Vision and Values.The ideal candidate will have:
  • Qualifications in a zoological related discipline (Cert III Wildlife & Exhibited Animal Care or equivalent)
  • Previous animal husbandry experience of at least three years (full time equivalent), including a minimum of two years specifically working with reptiles in a captive/zoo environment.
  • Significant experience working with reptile species across multiple taxa
  • Strong technical ability and attention to detail
  • Experience in creating and maintaining species appropriate microclimates and ability to provide reptiles with an appropriate "patch of sunlight"
  • Experience in best practice animal husbandry, welfare, training and enrichment
  • Possess a high level of interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, essential for working in a close team environment.
  • Possess a high level of emotional intelligence and be coachable
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to engage and work with a diverse range of stakeholders
  • Demonstrated ability to engage with visitors
  • Proven working knowledge of biosecure hygiene management and strong procedural standards.
For more information on this role, please refer to the position description below.Please submit a maximum two page cover letter, and resume by clicking on the 'Apply' link below.If you have any questions about this role, please contact Yvette Pauligk, Life Sciences Manager - Natives, ypauligk@zoo.org.auApplications close at 5.00pm on Sunday 7th September 2025At Zoos Victoria we value diversity, celebrate difference and work to be inclusive in everything we do. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability and people from the LGBTIQA+ community. In addition, Zoos Victoria will provide reasonable adjustments for individuals with disability, illness or injury. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please advise via hrhelpdesk@zoo.org.au or visit https://www.zoo.org.au/about-us/careers/inclusion-and-diversity/ for more information.

Zoos Victoria