This is an exciting time at Adelaide Zoo, with several significant projects planned for the near future. Zoos SA offers a unique opportunity to build a career in a forward-thinking conservation organisation, while enjoying South Australia's exceptional lifestyle and access to Australia's wild places.
Adelaide Zoo is seeking an experienced, motivated and values-driven Team Supervisor – Herpetofauna to join the Life Sciences team, leading the Herpetofauna rounds, including reptiles, Envirodome and the Nocturnal House. This role is offered on a permanent, full-time basis, across a 7-day roster.
ABOUT THE ROLE...
Reporting to the Assistant Curator, the Team Supervisor – Herpetofauna plays a key leadership role in the day-to-day supervision and coordination of keepers, volunteers and students, while maintaining a strong hands-on presence with the animal collection.
Guided by Zoos SA's values, the successful candidate will apply their technical expertise in reptile husbandry, including venomous species management, alongside proven supervisory capability to ensure high standards of animal welfare, safety, staff performance and visitor engagement.
Working with minimal supervision and within established guidelines, you will support the delivery of section goals, animal programs and operational priorities, while contributing to continuous improvement across the team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
As part of the Life Sciences team, your responsibilities will include:
* Supervising and coordinating daily husbandry and operational activities across the Herpetofauna section
* Providing technical leadership and guidance to keepers, ensuring agreed standards of animal care, safety and record-keeping are met
* Supporting the Assistant Curator with workload planning, task allocation, rosters, performance feedback and staff development
* Monitoring animal health and welfare, working closely with veterinary staff and participating in treatment, enrichment and training programs
* Leading by example in the safe management of reptiles, including venomous species, and ensuring compliance with WHS requirements and SOPs
* Contributing to exhibit planning, maintenance and evaluation to ensure animal welfare, visitor experience and operational safety
* Delivering and overseeing keeper talks, presentations and public interactions that connect visitors with conservation outcomes
* Liaising with internal teams and external partners on conservation, research and animal management initiatives
* Assisting with the induction, training and supervision of staff, volunteers and work experience students
* Deputising for the Assistant Curator as required
As with all curatorial roles at Adelaide Zoo, you may be required to work across other sections of the department in line with operational needs.
ABOUT YOU
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
* Extensive experience working within a zoological setting, with demonstrated expertise in herpetofauna
* Proven experience managing reptiles, including venomous species/varanids.
* Proven experience and knowledge working with fish (both freshwater and marine), invertebrates, amphibians, and native mammals.
* Certificate III in Captive Animals or other relevant and acceptable zoo keeping qualifications
* Demonstrated ability to supervise, guide and support others in a practical animal-care environment
* Strong communication skills, with confidence engaging staff, peers, volunteers, external stakeholders and the public
* Experience delivering or overseeing public presentations, keeper talks and visitor experiences
* Sound knowledge of animal training, enrichment and conditioning programs
* A strong understanding of workplace health and safety and safe animal management practices
* The ability to plan, prioritise and manage daily workloads effectively
Supervisory or leadership training and experience supporting staff development is highly desirable.
HOW TO APPLY...
When applying, please specify in your cover letter your experience with herpetofauna and reptiles. Complete the requested work history and education information on the application page.
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, ensuring our people continue to reflect the local communities in which we work. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or require reasonable adjustments, please contact Genesse via and
APPLY NOW
Further appointments may occur from this recruitment process.
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