This is an exciting time at Adelaide Zoo, with several significant projects underway and planned for the future. Zoos SA offers a unique opportunity to build a career in a progressive, conservation-focused organisation delivering exceptional animal care, conservation outcomes, and memorable visitor experiences. Adelaide Zoo is seeking an experienced, highly motivated Free Flight Bird Keeper to join our Life Sciences team. This role is suited to a keeper with strong avian training expertise, particularly with birds of prey and parrots, and a passion for developing and delivering dynamic free-flight bird shows. The position is offered on a 1.0 FTE permanent basis, working across a 7-day roster. ABOUT THE ROLE Guided by Zoos SA’s values, you will work collaboratively with the keeping team to deliver best-practice avian care, conservation outcomes, and engaging public presentations. Under general supervision and within established guidelines, you will safely and effectively perform all bird-keeping and training duties. A key focus of this role is the delivery and ongoing development of free flight bird shows. Training is based on positive reinforcement, with animals provided choice and control at all times, including whether they participate in flight and presentations. Key responsibilities include: Undertaking daily avian husbandry and operational duties for a diverse collection, including birds of prey and parrots; Training birds using positive reinforcement techniques, ensuring animal-led participation and welfare-focused outcomes; Training birds from scratch, including shaping foundational behaviours through to advanced free flight and show behaviours; Assessing, training, and introducing new species of birds into the free flight program as the show evolves; Participating in and delivering free flight bird shows, including presenting confidently to large audiences of 1,000 visitors; Delivering engaging keeper talks, formal presentations, and behind-the-scenes experiences; Supporting enrichment, conditioning, and training programs that promote natural behaviours and voluntary participation in routine husbandry and health checks; Working flexibly across other areas of the Curatorial Department as required, including other keeping rounds. ABOUT YOU The successful candidate will demonstrate: Extensive experience working with birds in a zoological, wildlife park, or professional free-flight environment; Proven experience working with birds of prey and/or parrots; Demonstrated experience delivering free flight bird shows with a defined cast of birds; Strong skills in positive reinforcement training, with a clear understanding of animal choice and control; Experience training birds from foundational behaviours through to free-flight and presentation behaviours; Experience assessing and training new species to participate in free flight programs; Confidence and professionalism in presenting to large crowds, including audiences exceeding 1,000 people; Experience in avian breeding programs, with hand-rearing experience highly desirable; Certificate III in Captive Animals or another relevant and acceptable zoo-keeping qualification; Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage visitors, staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders; Strong organisational skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. HOW TO APPLY In your cover letter, please outline: Your experience with free-flight bird shows, including species worked with; Your approach to positive reinforcement and animal-led training; Any experience training new species or developing new show behaviours. Zoos SA is passionately committed to equal employment opportunity. We believe diversity, inclusion and reconciliation are fundamental .to our rich organisational culture and values, and we demonstrate this commitment through all our employment practices, ensuring our people continue to reflect the local communities in which we work. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or require reasonable adjustments, please contact Genesse via 08 8230 1211 and hrrecords@zoossa.com.au APPLY NOW! Applications close at 5:00pm on Friday, 27 March 2026. Please note that Zoos SA reserves the right to close applications early if required. Further appointments may occur from this recruitment process. No Recruitment Agencies
