Oakvale aims to provide students with a realistic experience of what being an animal keeper really involves helping them determine if this is a career path they wish to pursue.
Students should be prepared for physically demanding tasks carried out in all weather conditions from pouring rain to extreme heat. It may not sound like much fun, but these jobs are essential to the daily running of a wildlife park and are still one of the most desired career paths.
What to Expect
- Students will be required to participate in a variety of duties e.g. food preparation, raking, assisting with feeding and daily shows, general cleaning, animal care, etc
- Participate in duties that may involve unpleasant odours and/or getting dirty
- Work with a range of different species e.g. birds, mammals, and reptiles
- Students will not operate any machinery and are forbidden to enter any animal enclosures unsupervised or without permission
- Students will be supervised at all times
Requirements
- Must be in years 11, 12 or University.
- Must be able to work a 5-day block week from 8.30am till 4.30pm - please note that on the first day, you will be required to commence at 8am so we can conduct our induction.
- Required to have suitable transport to and from Oakvale Wildlife Park
- Ability to work independently and follow, at times, complex instructions
- Must provide relevant documentation from your educational institute prior to booking your placement.
- Willing to work outside in all weather conditions
- Have clear communication skills
- Be able to liaise with the public if and when required
- Participate in duties that may involve unpleasant odours and/or getting dirty
- Dress appropriately, including sturdy enclosed footwear
- Behave in an appropriate manner (e.g. good attitude, no bad language)
- Read, sign and return our General Rules form
- Have an understanding that, at times, the work can be mentally and physically demanding
Who can Apply?
- Students in years 11, 12 and University.
- For students undertaking a TAFE course, please see our Volunteering page.
How to Apply?
Please complete the application form below. If you have any questions before completing it, please get in touch with us on 02 4982 6222.
Please Note:
There are a limited number of Work Experience/Work Placement positions available.
Being involved in our program does not guarantee paid employment at Oakvale Wildlife Park or within the zoological industry.
During your work experience/placement, interaction with animals is not guaranteed.
Based on Oakvale’s duty of care, Management reserves the right to terminate a student's work placement or work experience without warning if the student's behaviour, attitude, or appearance does not comply with the company's policies or expectations.