Perth Zoo’s graduate work placement program has been running for many years through word-of-mouth and collaborative relationships. Most Western Australian Universities and TAFEs promote the program informally to suitable and interested students.

What Opportunities Exist for Graduates?

Students are responsible for identifying their own opportunities through written requests (with the support of their tertiary institutions) direct to the Zoo.

Vacation work is occasionally available for students across various areas within the zoo and these opportunities are promoted as Casual Pool recruitment and advertised on jobs.wa.gov.au, on TAFE and University Career Centre websites and the Zoo’s own website.

Placement Criteria

Students who apply for a Graduate Opportunity, or Vacation Work are required to make a formal application through a public recruitment process (when available). These positions will have job descriptions with selection criteria identified.

Ideally applicants will be studying or have studied in a relevant area; already have some practical exposure; will demonstrate good interpersonal and communication skills; and will be a good ‘fit’ with the values held by Perth Zoo.

Graduate opportunities and vacation work are generally paid placements. All work experience placements are unpaid.

Taronga Training Institute

Perth Zoo, in partnership with Taronga Training Institute, also offers on-site study for the Certificate III in Captive Animals qualification. Details of this course can be found here.