Free Flight Birds Zookeeper Volunteer 

Interested in birds and what it takes to set the stage? Join our Free Flight Team and get behind the scenes supporting daily presentations and bird care.

Our amazing Free Flight Birds Team are looking for Volunteer Zookeepers to support the care of some of Taronga’s most fascinating feathered residents. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside knowledgeable Zookeepers, learn about bird behaviour, presentations and husbandry, and contribute to animal welfare and conservation at Taronga Zoo.

The purpose of the role is to:

From preparing diets and enrichment and maintaining habitats, to aiding with daily presentations behind the scenes, your role will be hands-on supporting animal welfare, conservation and education outcomes. Working alongside keepers, you’ll help care for a wide variety of bird species, while gaining insight into the day-to-day operations of one of Taronga’s most dynamic animal divisions.

No two days are quite the same, but every task contributes towards providing outstanding animal care and supporting Taronga’s conservation mission.

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 week.
  • 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 12-month commitment. 
  • All Volunteers must be over 18 years of age and are required to 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 Role Description carefully to decide if this is the right role for you.

Please note: This volunteer role will have minimal hands-on animal contact. 

To be successful in this role you must: 

• • Have an interest in avian training, husbandry, and welfare. 
  • 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.
  • Maintain concentration and attention to detail when undertaking routine and repetitive tasks that are essential to animal husbandry, operational requirements, and workplace safety.
  • Meet all selection criteria outlined in the division description.

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.