Zookeeper Jobs in Australia

The occupations Dog Handler or Trainer, Horse Trainer, Zookeeper and Track Rider in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

• AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:

• NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

The occupations Pet Groomer, Kennel Hand and Animal Attendants and Trainers nec in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

• AQF Certificate II or III, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

In New Zealand:

• NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing may be required.

• teaching animals to obey verbal and non-verbal commands and addressing behavioural problems
• training animals to accept riders and pull vehicles
• training animals and conditioning horses to perform in competitions
• reporting to trainers on horses’ progress and performance
• bathing, cutting, combing, blow-drying and styling pets’ coats, clipping their nails and cleaning their ears
• inspecting, preparing, cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining comfortable animal cages and enclosures
• transporting food, filling water troughs and feeding animals according to their individual needs
• maintaining animal health records, treating minor injuries and reporting serious conditions to Veterinarians
• exercising and playing with animals, answering visitor questions, and transferring animals between enclosures by leading or carrying them
• dusting and spraying insecticides on animals and immersing them in insecticide baths, to control insect pests