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 also excited to be expanding Monarto Safari Park, the largest safari park that will exist outside of Africa, with a first-of-its-kind luxury resort, luxury tents and lodge facilities. In May 2025 Monarto Safari Park began offering 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.
ABOUT THE ROLE...
Are you passionate about improving animal welfare through science and strategic action? Do you have a proven track record of making a difference in animal care and wellbeing? If so, we want to hear from you.
Zoos SA is seeking a skilled and motivated Animal Welfare Officer to join our dedicated Life Sciences team on a full-time fixed-term contract for five months working across Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park. Under the direction of the Conservation Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering best-practice animal welfare programs across our organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
Welfare Management & Leadership
* Lead and deliver ZSA’s Animal Welfare Survey, including data analysis and reporting.
* Develop and track quarterly animal welfare work plans.
* Oversee the assessment and reporting of Animal-Visitor Interactions.
* Facilitate and support welfare-based research and interventions, including student supervision where needed.
* Provide technical advice on welfare assessments, drawing on current legislation, policies, and best-practice standards.
* Prepare documentation such as routine reports, board papers, and updates to strategic planning.
Quality Assurance & Accreditation Support
* Support the maintenance of accreditation and continuous improvement in welfare practices.
* Manage animal welfare-related databases and audit tools across Life Sciences.
* Contribute to the development and refinement of policies and procedures.
ABOUT YOU...
Experience & Knowledge
* Experience identifying and addressing animal welfare risks in a practical setting.
* Demonstrated success in advancing welfare strategies at an organisational level.
* Proven ability to influence individuals and teams to implement positive welfare changes.
* Strong ability to translate complex scientific principles into practical welfare improvements.
Qualifications
* Postgraduate qualifications (or progress towards) in Animal Welfare Science, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline.
* Tertiary qualifications in Animal Welfare Science, Biological Sciences, or similar fields are essential.
Skills
* In-depth understanding of contemporary animal welfare science and its application in captive settings.
* Strong conceptual and analytical thinking with a solutions-focused mindset.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships across a range of stakeholders.
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 Life Sciences team, we would love to hear from you!
Please visit the Careers section of the Zoos SA website to apply.
Internal Applicants Only
APPLY NOW!!
No recruitment agencies please