Elephant Keeper x 3 - Werribee Open Range Zoo

Zoos Victoria

Werribee, Melbourne VIC

Conservation, Parks and Wildlife (Farming, Animals and Conservation)

Contract/Temp, Full time, Part time

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Join the Elephant Trail team - Open to Pre Trade and Trade Keepers

1 x part time (0.9 FTE) fixed term position from 8/12/2025 to 31/3/2026 (4 months)

1 x full time fixed term maternity leave backfill from 5th of Jan to 30th June 2026 (6 months)

1 x full time fixed term maternity leave backfill from 8th of Dec to 31st of May 2026 (6 months)

Roster for all roles include 2 full weekends every 4 weeks

Be part of Werribee Open Range Zoos Asian Elephant Program and our commitment to progressive, holistic elephant care.

Zoos Victoria operates four landmark zoos. Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Kyabram Fauna Park. Zoo Victoria is made up of passionate, energetic and driven people 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 the world leading zoo-based conservation organisation.

We are seeking exceptional pre or post trade keepers to join our Elephant team. These positions will continue the development and evolution of Zoos Victoria's elephant management, with the target of providing best practice animal care in a holistic environment.

Reporting to the Life Sciences Manager of Elephants, the successful candidate will be a zoo professional with exceptional observational and husbandry skills. Applicants require an excellent understanding of the science and application of positive reinforcement training, prior experience working with category 1 species in a protected contact setting, a strong work ethic and excellent communication skills. The elephant team is a fast-paced team with a strong focus on animal welfare, safety, culture and values - candidates must have strong teamwork skills, be adaptable, approachable, and possess a mature, enthusiastic and positive attitude.

The candidate must possess:

Qualifications in a zoological related discipline (Cert III Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care or equivalent)

Demonstrated ability of animal training skills to an advanced level using positive reinforcement

A strong focus on safety and identifying hazards in the workplace, and a minimum of 6 months experience of demonstrated ability to work safely with Category 1 animals

Open-mindedness to new ideas and perspectives

Demonstrated ability to enhance a positive, collaborative work culture with a strong desire for continuous improvement

Demonstrated ability to contribute to and work in a high functioning, close knit team to reach the goals of both the Elephant Trail precinct as well as Werribee Open Range Zoo

Be a highly motivated, focused and cooperative team member with excellent listening and communication skills

Possess a high level of interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, essential for working in a close team environment

Employee status Victoria Working with Children's check

Additional consideration will be given to:

Professional experience in a zoological setting working with Elephants in protective contact management

As part of the Werribee Open Range Zoo Animal Husbandry Team, you will be required to work a roster across a 7-day week, including weekends and public holidays if required. Candidates should also be capable of completing highly physical work on a daily basis and hold a valid Australian driver's license or have the ability to attain one.

For more information on this role, please refer to the position description available below.

Applications close at 5:00pm on Friday 28th November 2025.At 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.

NOTE: Never make payment to any employer, person, company, contractor or agency to get hired for a Job.

If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, advise via hrhelpdesk@zoo.org.au