How do I become a Zoo Keeper in Australia?

I’m an aussie with an animal studies course (2years) and 2 years uni for zoology. Also have worked as an aquarist assistant, owned my own dog grooming business, volonteered with the wildlife foundation, worked in a pet shop and currently a vet nurse.

As you can see I love animals and my dream job is to work with wild animals at either a wildlife park, zoo or even in national parks around australia but can not seem to land a job in this feild.

Any help would be so greatful from how to write great animal resumes, get more experience (but i still need an income), any courses (pref. from home in my spare time), animal job sites, just absolutely anything to forfill my dream of working full time with wild animals in Australia (anywhere in australia).

Thanks heaps to anyone who can help me and if any of these suggestions lands me a job with wild animals I’ll have to track you down and buy ya a drink

I did work placement at Melbourne zoo, Melbourne Aquarium and volunteer work at Healesville sanctuary and from talking to many of the zookeepers the best way to become one is to do volunteer work at private sanctuaries (eg Ballarat, Pearcedale). I would also suggest volunteering at an animal shelter, such as RSPCA or Lost Dogs Home. There is a Cert III in Zookeeping you can undertake at TAFE, however like vet nursing you have to be employed as a zookeeper to undertake the course…
I too have worked and volunteered at various animal places, completed a Cert IV in Animal Tech and completed my BSC (Zoology) a couple of years ago. Zookeeping is a very, very difficult occupation to get into as their is very little turnover and extremely competative. Keep checking the zoo vic website as they advertise entrance level keepers around twice a year, however the number of applicants is extremely high and the majority of people who get through to the group interviews are currently employed casually at other zoo’s, therefore competition is extremely high! Remember, too, that if you are casual, you can only undertake the course while you are employed, so if there are quiet periods you can’t actually continue the course until work picks up again… Alternatively, if you don’t mind relocating, Australia zoo takes on a higher percentage of staff that don’t have as much zookeeping experience as many of the other zoo’s, and would no doubt be willing to take on any volunteers.

I would also suggest considering looking in the ecological management industry, seeing as you are undertaking your BSc. My goal is to become a field zoologist/ecologist, although again this is an extremely difficult industry to get into and usually in remote locations! Find out what PhD and honours students are doing field research and ask about helping out (and not just at your university, check out other instituations). They usually need the extra hands and welcome vollies. You usually get to do some spotlighting, trapping, data collection and its great hands-on experience – and great to put on your resume. These are the real wild animals – and much of the field studies is working towards conservation and restoration of both populations and habitats. Also check out the enviro jobs site – they are always advertising for casual field people and while you may not be working with animals, it is a great way to get into the industry and gain some experience and contacts. Remember, in this industry its not necessarily what you know, its who you know! DSE and DPI run a grad program which is definately worth looking into. You can also look at doing your honours year after your undergrad course, as this is your research year and can put you ahead of the rest. Also, have a chat to your lecturers, biological clubs and PhD students/tutors as they can recommend contacts, places to do volunteer work and avenues to consider.
Hopefully I haven’t overwhelmed you, but I wish you the best of luck in pursueing your dream! If that’s what you want to do, then nothing will stop you!