Organisational Overview

Koala Conservation Australia Ltd (KCA) is one of the leading authorities in Koala care, education, conservation and research. It is a not-for-profit organisation and is internationally recognised for its wild Koala conservation work.

The organisation operates the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital to care for sick and injured koalas, two koala browse plantations and Guulabaa, Wild Koala Breeding.

Role Purpose

Deliver high quality animal husbandry and management practices for koalas at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and Guulabaa, Wild Koala Breeding. 

Manage the upkeep of the Koala exhibit, rehabilitation, breeding and pre-release yards. 

Lead and train a team of volunteers in the care of koalas and upkeep of koala yards.

Key Accountabilities

1.     Provide high quality animal husbandry, management techniques, and food preparation in line with industry best practice to assist in meeting animal care and welfare objectives.

2.     Support the upkeep of KCA koala exhibit, breeding, rehabilitation and pre-release yards and for ensuring the continued high standard of husbandry and care, as outlined in the Koala Code of Practice and DCCEEW and DPI regulations.

3.     Design koala enclosures and gunyahs in consultation with Senior Koala Keeper, oversee and assist in construction and maintenance to enhance the wellbeing of koalas.

4.     Maintain accurate daily records of animal health, feeding, behaviour and enclosure conditions in line with regulatory and internal requirements.

5.     Work collaboratively with the Koala Health and Breeding Manager, Senior Koala Keeper, veterinary and breeding teams to improve practices and conservation outcomes.

6.     Lead, train and provide direction to koala care and koala breeding volunteers, including task assignment, supervision and training (including biosecurity and animal behaviour, compliance with licensing) and induction in consultation with the Senior Koala Keeper.

7.     Ensure the implementation and adherence of volunteers and teams to all work health and safety requirements, biosecurity measures, policies and operating procedures.

8.     Regularly review all equipment and supplies for koala care and breeding operations to ensure sufficiency for day-to-day needs.

9.     Lead Keeper talks with visitors and guests, informing and educating on koalas, conservation and KCA’s mission.

10.  Follow direction of the Senior Koala Keeper and work collaboratively with keepers, other staff and volunteers to implement procedures.

11.  Open and close KCA sites to the general public, when required to do so.

12.  Once trained, act as the designated first aid officer and primary point of contact for first aid incidents on site.

13.  Positively model KCA’s values.

 Key Requirements

 1.     Demonstrated experience working with animals in a zoo or  wildlife park or similar.

2.     Completed the Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care or equivalent at a minimum.

3.     Hold a current Australian driver's license

4.     Current tetanus and Q fever vaccination and willingness to be vaccinated against other Zoonotic diseases.

5.     Physical abilities to complete required tasks in Port Macquarie’s varied weather conditions (e.g. walking around site, lifting up to 20kg).

6.     High attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in animal care, record keeping, and adherence to procedures and protocols.

7.     Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

 Highly Desirable:

8.     Understanding or experience in working within volunteer organisations.

9.     Fit, active and able to meet the physical requirements of this job.

10.  Necessary knowledge and physical fitness to build and maintain animal enclosure and furniture.

11.  Confident public speaker when talking about Conservation and Koalas.

12.  Effective communication and education skills and compassionate attitude to lead, support and upskill volunteers

13.  Excellent understanding of animal welfare (including the five domains framework) and a willingness to develop and adhere to highest standards of care

14.  Demonstrated good organisational, time management and team work skills.

15.  Experience in safe capture and restraint techniques and in administering medication

16.  Ability to identify koala food species or willingness to learn

17.  First aid certificate and understanding of work health and safety requirements (or willingness to obtain certification).

18.  Experience using ZIMS or similar record-keeping software.