Zookeeper (Primates) Full Time NEW

Position: Zookeeper (Primates)

Employer: Sydney Zoo

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $65,000 to $80,000 plus superannuation per annum

Location: Eastern Creek NSW 2766

Reports To: Primate Supervisor

Primate Zookeeper at Sydney Zoo

Located in the heart of Western Sydney, Sydney Zoo strives to showcase a broad range of native and exotic animals using technology and advanced exhibit design, with a strong focus on animal welfare, conservation, and educating our visitors about animals and their habitats. Environmental and social awareness play a vital role in our message that highlights the indigenous culture and human influence on the environment.

The Position

This is an outstanding opportunity to be part of an exciting new zoo in the role of Zookeeper, primarily assigned to the Primates division, utilising your skills in an area that you are genuinely passionate about. This role will commence as soon as possible and will require the successful applicant to work some weekends and public holidays.

The Primate Keeper will be responsible for ensuring the expanding primate collection is managed to the highest level of husbandry and welfare, as well as maintaining primate habitats to a world-class standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform daily cleaning and maintenance of all animal enclosures, with a focus on large primate exhibits.
• Adhere strictly to all safety protocols, including “Lock Out / Tag Out” and “Two-Person Check” systems.
• Prepare and distribute specialized diets and ensure fresh water is available.
• Monitor animal health, behaviour, and social dynamics, reporting concerns and treating minor injuries. You must be able to identify individual chimps at a glance and interpret subtle vocal and physical cues (e.g., pant-hoots, piloerection).
• Implement behavioural enrichment and conduct positive reinforcement training sessions.
• Maintain accurate animal health, welfare, and behaviour records.
• Deliver educational keeper talks and respond to visitor inquiries.
• Safely facilitate animal transfers between enclosures using trained behaviours.

Skills, Knowledge and Relevant Experience

• At least a bachelor’s degree in Captive Animals, Zoology, Animal Behaviour, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ paid experience, preferably with a variety of primate species including great apes (Chimpanzees preferred) in an animal in human care environment or equivalent profession.
• A strong, proven understanding and background in training/conditioning using operant conditioning.
• Exceptional capability in designing and undertaking enrichment programs.
• Recognised full qualifications in captive animal management and/or Zoology/Biology or equivalent experience such as Cert III as a minimum.
• Ability to carry out daily keeping duties to a high standard ensuring all husbandry and welfare needs are met.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to work independently and positively contribute to a team environment.
• Physically fit and capable of working in extreme weather.
• Driver’s license and the ability to drive a manual vehicle (desirable).

Why should you join the Zoo Crew?

By joining the exciting Sydney Zoo Crew, you will not only be in close proximity to some of the most incredible animals native to Australia and across the world, but you will also join an amazing team of dedicated people! Our team are passionate, devoted, and heavily inspired by Sydney Zoo’s values and mission to deliver a world-class visitor experience that encourages the community to make a difference, and all with a smile!

They are very proud of our diverse team of staff that represent all the different backgrounds and cultures that call Western Sydney ‘home.’ They love the individuality across their team of people as much as we love the collection of animals we so proudly care for. We encourage you to take the next step and join in their vision to make a difference.

Sydney Zoo is committed to providing a positive workplace and fostering employee engagement and wellbeing. They know how important it is to recognise and thank their staff for making Sydney Zoo great and do this by providing their team with many benefits including:

• free annual flu vaccinations;
• workplace massages;
• monthly staff BBQs;
• training opportunities;
• monthly recognition awards and;
• fulfilling fundraising events, just to name a few!

Applications

Applicants will be required to provide a current resume and a cover letter outlining their ability to meet the above selection requirements. Applications close at midnight 9 January 2026.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with disability are encouraged to apply for all Sydney Zoo positions.

Sydney Zoo is a fully COVID-19 vaccinated workplace. We will require proof of your vaccination status prior to commencement.

You can contact us by email jobs@job2go.com.au

Sydney Zoo is committed to the principles and practices of Equal Employment Opportunity and Cultural Diversity.