Assistant Curator – Natives & Primates

 

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 2023 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. Not to mention, having also just opened a brand-new $16.8m Visitor Centre, funded by the Federal & State Governments, which offers our visitors world class entry to the park.

 

ABOUT THE ROLE…

The Assistant Curator will safely, efficiently and effectively support the Curator with operational aspects of Monarto Safari Park’s collection and the primate and native teams. This position will support the day-to-day operations of these departments with a focus on leading and managing the teams, advising and guiding on excellent animal husbandry, the promotion of exciting visitor experiences and involvement in conservation programs. This is a permanent full time position working across a five-day roster. Due to future expansion of Wild Africa at Monarto Safari Park, there may be future opportunity to develop across other species or focus more specifically on particular taxon. Experience across various taxa will be highly regarded.

 

As part of our Life Sciences management team, you will:

• Undertake routine and specialist administrative and front line management tasks
• Support the Curator with the management and oversight of animal welfare and husbandry standards for Monarto Safari Park’s primate and native collection, visitor experiences and workforce culture and performance
• Provide input into exhibit and enclosure planning, development, design and maintenance, ensuring animal husbandry and welfare standards are met and relevant protocols followed and developed as required
• Collaborate with the Curator and Senior Keepers to establish collection management standards and practices that align with Zoos SA Animal Collection Plan and regional/global species management principals
• Occasional weekend and Public Holiday work as Duty Manager or Duty Manager Assist to support the safe and efficient operation of the entire site, largely managing visitor requirements and general operations.

 

ABOUT YOU…

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

• Minimum of Certificate III in Captive Animals (Wildlife & Exhibited Animal Care) or other relevant and acceptable Zoo Keeping qualification and/or relevant Leadership or Management qualification.
• Demonstrated skills in people leadership, team building, the ability to support staff through mentoring and development.
• Knowledge and experience in the captive management of a range of exotic fauna, preferably in an open range setting; species management systems and in-situ and ex-situ conservation programs.
• Experience in the development, documentation and implementation of policies, procedures and guidelines relating to animal husbandry, safe work practices and training and conditioning programs.
• Specific knowledge and experience working with dangerous animals and implementation of ‘Safety Second’ standards where required.
• Excellent knowledge of animal welfare and a proactive approach to improving all facets of animal care.
• Demonstrated team management skills.
• Demonstrated experience in staff rostering, performance development and invoice management.
• High level of communication and interpersonal skills with external stakeholders, peers, staff, volunteers and public.
• Operational project management experience.
• Preferred experience in planning and coordination of large animal transfers.
• Liaise closely with the Curator, Visitor Operations Team and Conservation Manager to promote our in situ conservation initiatives for a variety of exotic species.
• Drivers licence, manual experience preferred.

 

The successful candidate will be someone that has good people skills, pays close attention to detail and can manage their time effectively, working both independently or as part of a team.

 

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU…

Zoos SA are able to offer the following employee benefits:

• Income Protection
• Membership of the Royal Zoological Society of SA Inc – this also enables you and your immediate family free entry to any Zoo within South Australia
• 20% discount at the Retail stores at Australia and Monarto Safari Park
• Free Family Member ticket and discounted ticket prices
• Discounted Behind the Scenes (BTS) of Brief Animal Encounters (BAE) for employees
• Staff Well-being/Health Checks including Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and Manager Assist Programme
• Professional Membership

 

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