Supervisor Zoology

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 WEDNESDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2026

Job Description

The Supervisor Zoology provides operational leadership, coordination and direction to Senior Technical Officers and Technical Officers within the Life Sciences Directorate to achieve agreed animal care, welfare, species management and operational outcomes.

The position is responsible for the effective day-to-day operation of assigned zoological teams, providing leadership and guidance to staff and promoting a positive, professional, safe and collaborative workplace culture. The role works within agreed policies, procedures and organisational values and supports and monitors team members to meet relevant compliance, competency, training and workplace health and safety requirements.

The Supervisor Zoology implements and contributes to the development and review of relevant Perth Zoo policies, procedures and operational practices within their area of responsibility, supporting contemporary animal management, welfare, safety and operational outcomes.

The position works collaboratively with the Manager Zoology and coordinates extensively with Veterinary Services, Animal Records, People Services, Horticulture, Facilities, Conservation, Education, Visitor Engagement, Commercial Development, MarComms and other relevant teams to deliver integrated Zoo outcomes.

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 Others to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

In the context of the duties and responsibilities of the position, the following selection criteria apply. All criteria are essential unless otherwise specified. Applicants should address the following six (6) criteria in no more than four (4) pages in total.

1. Certificate III in Wildlife & Exhibited Animal Care, or an equivalent industry qualification.
2. Extensive experience in contemporary animal care, husbandry and welfare within a zoo or comparable professional exhibited wildlife environment.
3. Demonstrated experience in effectively leading and managing teams, including developing staff, managing performance, supporting workplace wellbeing and empowering employees to achieve agreed operational outcomes.
4. Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex operational activities and projects working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and organisational functions to achieve agreed outcomes.
5. Demonstrated high-level written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional reports and documentation, provide expert advice and communicate effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, supported by sound computer skills and proficiency in contemporary office software and relevant animal records management and reporting systems.
6. Demonstrated knowledge and application of workplace health, safety and wellbeing, risk management, equal employment opportunity and diversity principles and practices.

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:

• a covering letter.
• a statement addressing the above requested criteria (in no more than four (4) pages).
• current CV, including the details of two referees with one being a recent or current manager/supervisor.

For further job-related information: contact Matt Ricci, Manager Zoology on (08) 9474 0391 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.

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: It is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency status. Only applicants who meet this eligibility requirement will be considered for this position.

A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at ***********@dbca.wa.gov.au during the advertising period.

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 ***********@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.