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Work
Placement
Program

– The Spring/Summer Intake is NOW OPEN

 

Work Placement participants come from all walks of life to join the Symbio crew. Here you can work with dedicated people, from whom you can gain knowledge, developing your own professional and personal skills.

Work Placement participants are an important part of the team, and we welcome their involvement and enthusiasm. People participate for many different reasons: to learn what it’s like to be a zoo keeper and to gain the practical experience required as part of their vocational studies.

There are many benefits to being involved in the Work Experience Program. It’s a great way to show potential employers that you are hard-working, dedicated to giving back to the community, and to make a contribution to conservation.

You will also learn more about the animals themselves. In addition, it’s a fun and rewarding way to spend your free time in the best office in town, surrounded by amazing animals from all over the world.

About

If you are currently studying an animal based vocational course such as, but not limited to (Cert III in Captive Animals or Bachelor of Science – Zoology) are enthusiastic, dependable, friendly, out-going, interested in conservation, and you enjoy working outdoors, you may be just what we are looking for. In return you will get an opportunity to spend your time with some of the worlds most amazing and interesting animals, be part of an amazing team, all whilst meeting the key practical requirements to complete your studies.

Work placement participants who embark on their Zoo Keeping journey here at Symbio are recognised upon completion of the program as some of the highest skilled and most employable within the industry.

What does a day in the life of a Work Placement Participant look like?

They help out with a variety of different tasks that are tailored to ever growing industry skills. These include but not limited to;

  • Maintaining the enclosure standard and ensuring they are in excellent condition by sweeping, hosing, raking, cleaning windows, and of course, cleaning up after the animals.
  • Preparing food, treats and enrichments for our animals
  • Engaging with visitors to help them further understand the importance of our role in conservation and educating the public around each and every animal.
  • Public speaking during Animal Presentation and keeper talks in front of visitors and school groups
  • Handling of animals both on and offsite and assisting keepers with their daily tasks.

To be a Work Placement Participant at Symbio you must meet the following commitments:

You must be 18 yrs or older.

  • Do the same hours as our keepers, 7:50 am – 5:00 pm and work in all weathers (rain or shine).
  • It is a minimum requirement that you have an up to date tetanus vaccination. It is desirable that Work Experience Volunteers have their hepatitis A & B vaccinations, this is compulsory before they can start working with our primates.
  • It is a minimum one day per week commitment (you choose which day, and you can change your day if needed). Special arrangements may be considered if completing a relevant course where more hours are required.
  • Currently studying a vocational animal based course (Tafe/University)
  • 2 passport photos are to be attached to your application
  • We will require a $100 donation (cash only) on your trial day as a conservation contribution and to cover your training. This is non-refundable.

The process for applicants will be as follows:

  • Once we receive your application, you will be contacted by one of our senior Zoo Keepers to organise an interview time – generally only for 5-10 minutes, if we both think it is worthwhile to proceed you will have a trial day at the Zoo.
  • if accepted into the Work Placement Program you will be expected to reach a level of competency in your first 4 weeks which are compulsory days.
  • if you reach that level of competency in that time you can become a fully-fledged member of the program and wear a Work Placement Participant uniform and enjoy further benefits as you progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What clothes do I need to wear? As Symbio is a zoo, all participants will be working with animals and members of the public. As a result it is required that volunteers dress neatly in plain clothes. Clothes must also be sturdy, to be suitable for working with animals.

Ensure that clothes are not bright colours. It is recommended that you wear clothes that are dark blue, green or brown (or as close as possible). Participants are required to wear covered shoes at all times, and work boots are preferred. As you will be working outside remember to bring suitable weather protection everyday such as a sun hat, raincoat and sunscreen. It is also recommended that you bring a change of clothes.

2. Can I take a day off when I want? Spaces within the program are very limited and to be fair to others we do require you to be reliable every week.

3. Are we still required to come in if the weather is bad (i.e. hot, cold, raining etc)? Animals still need to be cared for regardless of the weather and as such you are required to come in on your rostered day in all conditions.

4. Can I work with all the animals? Unfortunately many of the animals are restricted for different reasons. Work placement participants can only work with restricted animals after appropriate training and authorisation has been given.

5. What’s in it for me? Participants get the opportunity to work with some of the world’s most endangered wildlife, they will also be meeting their practical component of their studies to the  highest levels within the industry. For those who shine, they will be considered for any future employment opportunities that arise and/or referral to other zoos/wildlife parks.

6. Can I get to Symbio via public transport for my volunteer work? Unfortunately the train station is approximately 1 hours walk from Symbio and there are no buses that can get you to Symbio on time for your volunteer work. It is therefore required that you have an alternative means of transport to get to the park.

 Symbio Work Placement Program
– Applications now open for weekend placements –

Our Spring/Summer volunteer intake is now open for weekend placements.
To be considered for a position, please submit your application through filling out the form below.

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