Backyard to Bush Zookeeper Volunteer 

From intriguing invertebrates to curious quokkas and friendly farmyard animals, the Backyard to Bush team is looking for enthusiastic Volunteer Zookeepers to support one of Taronga’s most interactive animal precincts.

This is a unique opportunity to work alongside passionate and experienced Keepers, gain hands-on experience supporting animal care, and engage guests in ways that inspire them to become advocates For the Wild!

The purpose of the role is to:

Supporting this dynamic and engaging animal precinct, you will contribute towards the daily care and wellbeing of the diverse collection of iconic Australian species and farmyard favourites that call Backyard to Bush home through a range of husbandry, operational, and guest engagement activities.

You’ll assist with tasks such as habitat maintenance, diet preparation and behavioural observations, while helping guests of all ages and backgrounds connect with wildlife through engaging conversations, animal knowledge, and storytelling. In doing so, you’ll support Taronga in achieving its mission of securing a shared future for wildlife and people, while gaining valuable, hands-on experience into modern zoo operations.

Position details

• • This role is available seven days a week from 7:40am to 4:00pm.
  • Applicants must be available to volunteer one regular shift per fortnight.
  • This is a physically demanding role, involving walking, standing, lifting and cleaning tasks in both in- and outdoor environments in all weather conditions.
  • Due to the level of training and investment in our volunteers, this position requires a minimum commitment of 12-months.
  • All Taronga Volunteers must be over 18 years of age, acquire and maintain a valid Working with Children Check (FREE for volunteers), and complete a Working Directly with Animals Declaration form before commencing volunteering.
  • All Taronga Volunteers are required to complete eLearning and attend induction and basic animal observation training.
  • Please read through the attached Division Description carefully to decide if this is the right role for you.

To be successful in this role you must: 

• • Be able to undertake physically active tasks including walking, cleaning, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.
  • Safely work across a range of indoor and outdoor operational environments, including uneven terrain and varying weather conditions.
  • Understand, remember and independently follow written and verbal instructions, procedures and safety processes.
  • Maintain awareness of your surroundings and respond appropriately to changing operational and safety conditions.
  • Be flexible, proactive, and able to cope with changes in schedules and tasks at short notice.
  • Maintain concentration and attention to detail when undertaking routine and repetitive tasks that are essential to animal husbandry, operational requirements, and workplace safety.
  • Be interested in animal husbandry and welfare. 
  • Have strong communication skills, a friendly manner, and the ability to confidently interact with and provide excellent customer service to guests of all ages and backgrounds. 

Cost

A Volunteer Programs Joining Fee of $120.00 will be charged to successful applicants**.

This enables many volunteer benefits, including;

• Taronga Volunteer Uniform; Polo shirt, fleece and optional hat
• Complimentary entry passes to Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo for family and friends*
• Free parking
• Discounts on retail and food outlets, accommodation, products and special programs
• Reciprocal deals and discounts with suppliers and partners
• Presale access and discounts on major events such as Twilight at Taronga
• Taronga Value Awards & recognition scheme
• Early access, sneak peeks and access to internal systems and communications
• National Volunteer Week, International Volunteer Day and other initiatives and events
• Induction, learning and development & networking opportunities
• Opportunity to take part in special events and programs

*Complimentary passes are distributed in December each year.
** Financial hardship support available, please get in touch

How to apply

As part of your application, you will need to outline the reason you wish to become a Taronga Volunteer, as well as addressing the selection criteria in the application form.