Oakvale Wildlife Park has been a cherished family owned and operated business for more than 46 years. Situated on 25 acres of open bushland, Oakvale Wildlife Park is nestled in the breathtakingly beautiful destination of Port Stephens.
Oakvale Wildlife Park is devoted to offering incredible family fun and educational experiences centred around animals. Oakvale Wildlife Park prides itself on creating unforgettable moments for visitors, all while upholding the highest standards in animal welfare and conservation efforts.
Oakvale Wildlife Park are an Animal Welfare Accredited member of ZAA (Zoo and Aquarium Association) and have seen a steep growth in visitation in the last few years and continues to embark on a significant Master Plan.
About the role
Oakvale Wildlife Park has a full-time Mammal Team Leader position available for an experienced Wildlife Keeper.
Working within our Animal Care Department, the Mammal Team Leader will be responsible for the daily care, husbandry, and welfare of our diverse mammal collection.
This leadership role also involves supervising and supporting team members, coordinating daily tasks, and contributing to the ongoing delivery of high standards in animal care, safety, and presentation.
You will be required to:
- Assist the Senior Keeper with animal training and the development of training plans, as well as the creation and management of mammal round scheduling, procedures, and population management.
- Deliver exceptional animal welfare outcomes including husbandry routines, animal conditioning, environmental enrichment and supporting veterinary intervention as required
- Assist Senior Keeper when implementing animal treatment plans. Where required, perform basic animal treatments without Senior Keeper supervision
- Liaise with management, senior keepers, and general wildlife keepers to deliver on daily objectives
- Perform engaging daily keeper talks and presentations including driving our tractor trailer ride
- Conduct all duties in accordance with a sound understanding of policies and procedures and core business principals
- Manage accurate animal records through a variety of inhouse systems
- Identify and collect koala eucalypt leaves and native browse for various species
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions
Key accountabilities:
- Demonstrate exceptional time management skills and ability to work under pressure and autonomously
- Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail including, personal appearance and park grounds presentation to showcase Oakvale Wildlife Park as a premier destination
- Ensure Workplace Health and Safety standards are maintained and improved upon to ensure a safe and healthy working environment
- Communicate in a clear, honest, and professional manner to ensure healthy, long term professional relationships
To succeed in this role, you will need:
- Approximately 2 to 4 years experience in a Wildlife Keeper role or similar position
- A minimum of Certificate III in Captive Animals or equivalent university studies
- Knowledge of native animal husbandry
- Exceptional interpersonal skills to assist with sound team collaboration and external stakeholder interactions
- Applicant must be fit for physical work, physical activity will include but is not limited to; walking, lifting, reaching, pulling and carrying
- Applicant must be enthusiastic, mature-minded, confident, well presented, and able to demonstrate a high level of work ethic and initiative
- Applicant may be required to complete a pre-employment medical
What is in it for you?
- Full-time employment
- Being a part of an energetic team and fast-growing business
- Family & friends admission tickets to Oakvale Wildlife Park
- Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
In your application, please provide a cover letter addressed to the General Manger addressing the above attributes and a current CV.
Applications close Friday 27 February 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly.
Apply here - https://www.seek.com.au/job/90173812?ref=cm-ui
Note: The above job requirements and accountabilities provide an overview and is not exhaustive. You may be assigned additional tasks as required for the role and business development.