Department for Environment and Water
Job reference: 833632
Location: 5152 - CLELAND
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

About the Role:

The Lead Wildlife Keeper is accountable to the Senior Wildlife Keeper and contributes to the delivery of animal management services by assisting in the development, maintenance and co-ordination of the park's wildlife displays, breeding programs, the care of captive native animals and the enhancement of visitor activities and education programs

Key Role Outcomes

• Animal health and welfare is maintained at the highest standards through advanced animal observation skills and effective communication with Senior Keepers, the Manager, Animal Operations and Veterinarians.
• Animal health and enclosures are maintained via effective cleaning and maintenance including weed and vermin control programs.
• Animal health is maintained through the appropriate sourcing of animal feed with diet sheets regularly reviewed and updated in consultation with the Senior Wildlife Keepers and Veterinarian.
• The Senior Wildlife Keeper is supported to ensure that staff are appropriately trained and the park's wildlife displays, breeding programs, management plans and guest experiences are developed, coordinated, presented and maintained.
• Guest experience is improved through the presentation of healthy animals, well-maintained enclosures, and positive interactions with keepers during both formal presentations and informal interactions.
• Computer data systems and stock records are maintained through regular animal census activities and the collection of data for native and endangered species breeding programs.

What can we offer you!

• Working in an organisation that is contributing to significant environmental outcomes in the great state of South Australia!
• Be part of a fun, collaborative and supportive team.
• Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Meaningful and rewarding career.

Contract: 
Contract for Ongoing 

Special Conditions:

• Will be required to participate in responses to state emergencies or associated duties.
• You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or provide evidence that you hold a valid working visa that allows you to work in Australia without restrictions.
• Regular weekend and public holidays is a requirement for this role.
• Prior to being employed, the successful applicant will be required to provide a Department of Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry. [DEW will cover the cost of renewal]
• A current class “C” driver’s licence is essential.
• A current First Aid Certificate is essential.
• Wearing a company uniform during working hours and/or when representing the department is mandatory.
• May be required to undertake intra or interstate travel, occasional overnight absences, and work outside of the normal hours of work.

Remuneration: 
GSE4 $1,220.69 min - $1,233.35 max per week. 

Enquiries to:
Hazel Lowe, A/Manager, Animal Operations 
hazel.lowe@sa.gov.au
Ph: (08) 8429 4924

Application Instructions:
Applications are to be submitted online through I WORK FOR SA.

Applicants are to submit a pre-employment declaration, current CV and letter of application (max. 3 pages) addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria (including qualifications) as outlined in the Role Description.

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.

Applications close: 22/02/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- RD GSE4 -Lead Wildlife Keeper - M19905.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.