Healesville Sanctuary Animal Encounter Volunteer ... - Zoos Victoria

Volunteer
Title:
Location:
Animal Encounters Volunteer
Healesville Sanctuary
Description: Animal Encounters Volunteers will engage visitors through memorable and close
encounters with animals to support Zoos Victorias goal to fight extinction. They will
be advocates for our conservation campaigns, and foster connections with wildlife
through serendipitous styled animal-based encounters around the Sanctuary.
About Zoos Victoria
Zoos Victoria operates world-class zoos on three sites: Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and
Werribee Open Range Zoo. Our vision is to be the world’s leading zoo-based conservation
organisation through our commitment to fight extinction. Zoos Victoria provides innovative wildlifebased
recreation and learning experiences that inspire and facilitate visitors to take conservation
actions that make a measurable and positive difference.
Volunteers play a very important role in the life of Zoos Victoria. They contribute to the success of
Zoos Victoria by furthering our reach and capacity in fighting extinction, adding value to a visitor’s
day, and complement, not replace, our paid workers.
Key details of the volunteer role
What will you be
doing?
Who are we looking
for?
Animal Encounters Volunteers will:
be a key part of the interpretive journey of visitors, helping deepen and
enrich a visitors’ experience of the sanctuary
help visitors gain an appreciation of Australia’s amazing wildlife
help create connections between visitors and wildlife by delivering
impromptu talks and facilitate encounters with animals
create memorable experiences through close encounters with animals
in a variety of locations throughout the Sanctuary
support the Visitor Experience team to provide excellent customer
service and to impart priority messages to visitors
liaise with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure that the information
provided to visitors is accurate and up-to-date
fight extinction by advocating for our conservation campaigns to
visitors.
People who are:
comfortable approaching visitors and starting conversations
able to relate to and adjust information accordingly for visitors from a
range of backgrounds and all ages
able to learn and deliver key organisational messages as well as
‘connect’ experiences
proactive and creative
team players
Volunteer Role Description – Animal Encounters Volunteer Page 1 of 3
Last updated December 2012

Commitment
Benefits to you
Training
Costs
Location
interested in animals, wild places and conservation and sharing this
interest with zoo visitors
reliable and communicative
experienced in delivering interpretive experiences and/or open to
learning
comfortable handling a variety of animals including birds and reptiles.
Shifts are 4 to 6 hours each day from Monday to Sunday. Volunteers must
meet a minimum commitment of at least:
Once a week during school holidays and once a fortnight during school
term periods; or
3 days per week during school holiday periods
Volunteers will:
have an opportunity to be involved in a world leading zoo based
conservation organisation
be part of a team of friendly, likeminded people
receive training and the opportunity to learn new skills, and to apply
your learning in a meaningful way
receive a range of benefits including discounts, invitations to special
events, regular news updates and discounted membership after 12
months volunteer service.
All new volunteers must attend and complete training in the Zoos Victoria
Core Module, which includes training units such as Volunteering at the
Sanctuary, Safety and Emergency procedures, and Providing Positive
Visitor Experiences. One day of training is required to fulfil this
commitment.
In addition, specialist training will be provided for this role and completion
of two training units is required, in conjunction with animal handling
training. These units are:
facilitating interpretive experiences – one half day
developing and maintaining specialist knowledge and skills for animal
encounters – one half day
animal handling – ongoing
Undertaking ongoing professional development, provided by Zoos
Victoria, is an expectation of this role.
Costs:
Zoos Victoria membership – currently $91 per year + $15 once off
joining fee for an adult. For all membership costs see
www.zoo.org.au/members . Please note, after 12 months active
volunteer service the membership is reduced to $20 per year.
Working with Children’s Check (if you don’t already have these) – free
for volunteers
Healesville Sanctuary
Requirements Current Working with Children Check
Zoos Victoria Membership
Compliance with the Code of Conduct
Wear the uniform provided
Volunteer Role Description – Animal Encounters Volunteer Page 2 of 3
Last updated December 2012

Selection Process
Equity and
accessibility
18 years +
Ability to stand for long periods of time and comfortable holding a
variety of species
Demonstrated passion for wildlife
Prospective volunteers are encouraged to review the information below
and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Applications will be individually assessed and eligible volunteers may be
invited to attend a brief group interview.
Adults of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and skills are encouraged to
become Zoos Victoria volunteers.
How do I apply for this volunteer opportunity?
Compile a short application outlining:
why volunteering at Zoos Victoria appeals to you
your previous experience and suitability with this role
availability
contact information
Please send you application, with the subject line ‘Application for Animal Encounters Volunteer’ to
hsvolunteers@zoo.org.au
To find out more:
There is no upper age limit as long as you continue to be fit, active, able
and willing to learn and remember new information and adapt to change
as the Zoo develops.
contact the Volunteer Coordinator on telephone 5957 2803 or email hsvolunteers@zoo.org.au
visit www.zoo.org.au/get-involved/volunteer-at-zoos-victoria
Volunteer Role Description – Animal Encounters Volunteer Page 3 of 3
Last updated December 2012