Recruitment
Australia Zoo is the best place in the world to work, even if we do say so ourselves! Here, we get to spend our days surrounded by gorgeous animals and some pretty inspirational staff! We’re a diverse bunch, from administration roles to keeping and training, we have opportunities to suit just about everyone!
Become a Volunteer
Every year over 300 people take time out of their busy lives to volunteer at Australia Zoo. They come from all walks of life; from high school to retirement. Some are local Sunshine Coast residents, while others have travelled distances – from interstate and even internationally. All are motivated individuals who share the common goal and desire to help Australia Zoo stay strong to the commitment of conserving and protecting all things wild.
Our volunteers play a pivotal role within the zoo environment, providing valuable support to our keepers and guests. Their dedication ensures Australia Zoo delivers the greatest level of care to the 1200+ animals that call Australia Zoo home and assists in delivering the high standards of customer service Australia Zoo is renowned for.
Not only is volunteering a fun and exciting way to spend your free time, you’ll also learn new skills and gain a thorough understanding into what it’s really like to be a zoo keeper, working alongside our experienced zoo keepers as they care for an array of amazing animals.
Volunteering at Australia Zoo
If you are enthusiastic, passionate, reliable, friendly, out-going, interested in conservation, and you enjoy working outdoors, you may be just what we are looking for!
At Australia Zoo we have volunteer positions which encompass both our Animal Keeping Departments and our Customer Relations sections.
Our Keeping Volunteers assist with a variety of different husbandry and customer service tasks, including, but not limited to:
- Enclosure cleaning and maintenance e.g. raking, scrubbing, sweeping, mulching, weeding, cob webbing, cleaning ponds, gardening, etc.
- Assisting with food preparation for a variety of species
- Preparing and assisting with animal enrichments for a variety of species
- Animal observations and monitoring
- Interacting with Zoo guests, including assisting visitors during our daily Wildlife Warriors Crocoseum Show
- Assisting keepers and gaining an understanding of a zoo keeper’s role
Our Customer Relations Volunteers look after the two-legged population at the Zoo. As a CRV, you may find yourself:
- Welcoming our visitors at the front entrance and assisting them with planning their day
- Getting our guests into the Australia Zoo spirit and answering any questions they may have
- Helping visitors locate our shows and facilities
- Assisting with guided tours
- Being on hand in some of our walk through enclosures to help guests when needed
- Providing assistance at our regular promotional events and children’s activities
Australia Zoo's High School Programs
We aim to provide engaging and enjoyable opportunities for school students seeking experience within a structured Tourism and Zoological based environment.
Our Introduction to Zoo Keeping program is suitable for students aged between 14-17 years of age. The program introduces participants to animal care requirements and considerations in a zoological facility, within a supported and structured environment.
Introduction to Zoo Keeping participants will assist with a range of activities associated with the care of animals at Australia Zoo. Activities may include, but not be limited to, assisting with habitat cleans (raking, sweeping, weeding, scrubbing), animal observations and the preparation of diets and enrichment items. This program also incorporates educational workshops and presentations on relevant industry topics, as well as daily debrief/review sessions.
The different departments that high school participants may assist with include Mammals, Birds and Koalas.
It is important to note that, due to a range of operational, legislative and animal welfare considerations, participants should not have any expectation of direct animal interaction.
Due to the popularity of our high school programs, applications will only be accepted on a term-by-term basis – please refer to placement dates below. Applicants will be required to participate in an interview and selection process. Placement on all programs is at the discretion of Australia Zoo.
Please note that no placements within the program can be guaranteed until after the interview process has been completed and no associated travel, accommodation or school commitments should be made until a confirmation of placement is made by Australia Zoo.
