Pathology Volunteer

Bones, bodies, and bits and pieces! This is a rare opportunity to volunteer in the only in-house zoological pathology department in the Southern Hemisphere.

Based in Taronga's brand-new Zoo and Wildlife Veterinary Teaching Hospital, this unique role contributes to the conservation of species through the investigation of disease and death in both zoo and wildlife animals. If you're a hard worker who is interested in assisting with tasks ranging from cleaning an animal morgue, handling and organising bone and tissue specimens, through to digital filing and desk-based work, this could be the volunteer opportunity for you!

The purpose of the role is to:

Assist the Taronga Wildlife Hospital Pathology department in the maintenance and organisation of pathology workspaces and a range of animal tissue and bone specimens. You will support the team through activities such as necropsy suite cleaning and restocking, cataloguing and maintaining zoological bone collections, preparing zoological and wildlife bone specimens, organising tissue banks, managing digital records and supporting pathology project work.

Position details

• This role is available Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays from 9:00am to 4:00pm (flexible hours for the right person).
• Applicants must be available to volunteer one regular day per week or fortnight.
• Due to the level of training and investment in our volunteers, this position requires a 12-month commitment.
• All Taronga Volunteers are required to complete eLearning and attend induction.
• Please read through the attached Role Description to decide if this is the right role for you. 

To be successful in this role you will:

• Commitment, punctuality, reliability, and a professional, friendly manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a diverse team and capacity to read, understand and carefully follow directions and WHS protocols.
• Confidence and comfort working with animal cadavers, tissue and bone specimens.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to undertake organisational, cataloguing and record management tasks accurately.
• Ability to work independently for extended periods.
• Ability to meet the selection criteria and shift requirements for the role.
• All Volunteers are required to acquire and maintain a valid Working with Children Check (FREE for volunteers) and complete a Working Directly with Animals Declaration Form.

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 how your skills, interests and or experience are relevant to this volunteer role.

Cost

A Volunteer Programs fee of $120 will be charged to successful applicants.

This enables many Volunteer benefits, including;

• Uniform
• Training
• Complimentary entry passes to Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo for family and friends*
• Access to special events
• Discounts in retail and food outlets and on our programs including Zoo Adventures, Keeper for a Day etc
• Free parking at Taronga
• Regular behind the scenes information and updates
• Opportunities to get involved with special events and conservation initiatives
• Networking opportunities, lunch & learns, workshops & guest speakers
• Team lunches, events and celebrations including National Volunteer Week initiatives
• And more…

Note: If you require any financial assistance please contact us.