Overview
Located at Sydney’s Iconic Taronga Zoo. Three year temporary contract, full time (38 hours per week).
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is looking for an experienced and motivated Conservation Biologist & Laboratory Coordinator to join our Welfare Conservation and Science team. The role works across science, operations and communications to assist in achieving Taronga’s vision, with a dedicated focus on supporting the management of zoo-based and priority wild populations.
The purpose of the Conservation Biologist and Laboratory Coordinator is to maintain the world-class services of Taronga’s Wildlife Reproduction and Resilience Lab, and to support reproductive, genetic and health management of zoo-based and priority wild populations. They will work to actively contribute to key conservation outcomes and work closely with Taronga’s wildlife hospitals and other Taronga Wildlife Operations teams.
Location notes: Taronga Zoo locations in Sydney and Dubbo.
Key Accountabilities
- Operate the Wildlife Reproduction and Resilience Lab, providing diagnostic laboratory services for monitoring and managing reproduction, genetic diversity, health and wellbeing of wildlife populations in the care of Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Taronga Zoo.
- Maintain strong communications with the Manager, Conservation Science to prioritise tasks across programs with overlapping timeframes.
- Assist with internal and external wildlife management projects focusing on reproductive monitoring and health assessments, providing evidence-based advice to Taronga wildlife managers and external conservation organisations to maximise conservation outcomes.
- Accountable for financial management of the Wildlife Reproductive and Resilience Lab, providing regular strategic direction based on a business plan that prioritises organisational objectives including service work.
- Support Taronga’s conservation science programs in line with organisational priorities and culturally-safe practices, with results prepared for submission to high impact peer-reviewed journals.
- Work effectively as a member of a high performing team including peers, volunteers and students to assist Taronga in achieving strategic outcomes.
- Contribute to undergraduate and graduate level education programs through course development, presentations, student supervision and publications.
- Ensure legislative compliance with local, state, federal and international legislation, regulations and conventions as they pertain to zoo animal management, research and wildlife reintroduction.
- Help to secure funds to implement wildlife management and research program objectives.
- Comply with sustainability practices in the workplace to help achieve Taronga's sustainability targets and reduce environmental impact.
About You
- Degree in Reproductive Sciences, postgraduate training, and/or significant experience in comparative physiology and health investigations (zoo- and wild-based populations).
- Demonstrated stakeholder management, project management and organisational skills.
- Demonstrated experience in laboratory management and provision of diagnostic services.
- Good understanding of wildlife population management.
- Experience undertaking grant writing and fundraising for wildlife conservation activities and/or research.
- Obtain and maintain a current volunteer Working with Children Check at own expense.
Benefits
- Flexible Hybrid work model - Taronga supports a blend of in-office, remote, and on-the-go workers.
- Complimentary family and friends passes across Taronga’s Sydney & Dubbo Zoos.
- Free onsite car parking, outside of peak periods.
- A wide range of discounts on our award-winning accommodation across both sites.
- Discounted food and beverage purchases across the sites.
- Discounted Fitness Passport.
- Social team activities and events at the zoo.
- Plus more.
We Value Diversity
Taronga is an equal chance employer, recognising the diversity of our workforce and community on the basis of gender, age, culture, religion, language or personal circumstances. We are committed to building on the perspectives, experience, knowledge and skills that diversity brings to our organisation.
About Applying
Please submit your resume and a cover letter of one page. You are also required to complete two target questions as part of your application.
- Provide an example of when you led the development and/or implementation of a program supporting wildlife management. Outline your responsibilities, the techniques used (including laboratory diagnostics) to progress key objectives, and the measurable impact(s) of the program. Respond in the text box provided or attach your response in a separate document (word limit: 300).
- Describe your approach to stakeholder engagement and give a specific example of applying this successfully in a challenging project. Respond in the text box provided or attach your response in a separate document (word limit: 300).
Applications Close: 11:59pm, Wednesday 22 October 2025.
Note: This description reflects a significant portion of the requested information and should be reviewed for precise requirements and any site-specific updates.
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📌 Conservation Biologist & Laboratory Coordinator
🏢 Taronga Conservation Society Australia
📍 Dubbo