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 interested in a Perth Zoo Graduate Opportunity or Vacation Work placement should note that when opportunities arise, they will be formally posted on our website. These positions will be advertised through a public recruitment process (when available) and will include detailed job descriptions along with clearly identified selection criteria. Applicants will be required to make a formal application through this process.

Ideally, applicants will be currently studying or have studied in a relevant area, possess practical exposure, demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and be a strong fit with the values upheld by Perth Zoo.

Please be aware that Graduate Opportunities and Vacation Work placements are generally paid, while all other work experience placements remain 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.