Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.
THIS IS A PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION
APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT
MIDDAY ON TUESDAY, 17 MARCH 2026
Job Description
Reporting to the Director Life Sciences, the Manager Zoology is responsible for leading and managing the zoology teams including budgets, staff management, and best practice animal husbandry standards.
This role ensures continuous review and improvement of care practices to maintain the highest welfare standards. The position plays a key role in planning and delivering the teams contribution to organisation initiatives, such as habitat design and delivery of animal-focused visitor experiences.
The position assists the Director Life Sciences in strategic planning, policy development proving expert advice to guide species management and strengthen partnerships.
At Perth Zoo, we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will be Leading Leaders to help drive positive change.
Selection Criteria
Applicants should address the following five (5) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than three (3) pages in total.
- Extensive knowledge and experience in the management of a wide range of fauna in a zoo or similar setting, including experience participating in species management and strategic species planning.
- Demonstrated experience in people leadership, team building, the ability to operate as an agent for change and to support staff through mentoring and development.
- Experience in the development, documentation, implementation and review of policies, procedures and guidelines relating to animal husbandry and management.
- Knowledge, understanding and commitment to the principles of Equal Opportunity, Workplace Health and Safety, Risk Management and Performance Management.
- Experience in providing specialist advice for species habitat design and development.
The following desirable criteria will be assessed as required.
- Knowledge of current issues relating to the conservation of wildlife and the role of modern Zoos.
- Experience representing an organisation at local, regional, or global forums related to species management, conservation, or zoological operations.
- A tertiary qualification in Zoology or similar, or equivalent years of experience in a related field.
About Us
We are a statutory authority of the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.
For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.
Benefits of working with us
In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:
- Flexible working arrangements.
- 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
- 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December.
- 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
- Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
- Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
- A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
- Well-established learning and development programs.
How to apply:
All applications are to be submitted online. Select 'Apply for job', located at either the top or the bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide:
- A covering letter.
- A statement addressing the above requested criteria (in no more than three (3) pages).
- A current CV, including the details of two referees with one being a recent or current manager/supervisor.
For further job-related information: contact John Lemon on (08) 9474 0304 or for further information about Perth Zoo, visit https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/.
We have a detailed Job Application Kit to provide information about us, the values of the department and practical guidance on the process for you. Please ensure you have saved your documents in MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application, as late, emailed and proforma applications will not be accepted.
Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:
- A current (issue date not older than 6 months) and satisfactory National Police Check.
- A pre-employment medical and Zoonosis vaccination program.
For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.
Eligibility: To be eligible for permanent appointment, it is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency status.
A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.
Substantive Equality Statement
Perth Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace.
Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on (08) 9219 9879 or recruitment@dbca.wa.gov.au. Do not send applications to this email; they will not be accepted.
If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.
Similar appointments may be made from this process within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.
