Eco-Tour Guide / Wildlife Keeper

About the role

We are seeking a positive and motivated team member for the role of Eco-Tour Guide. Your mission will be to tell the unique story about our change from a collection of captive animals to a "wildlife without cages" Unzoo experiment based in Tasmania. It is a tale about meeting a world-first challenge and how, while we are not perfect, that is part of the intrigue.

Benefits

• Opportunity to enjoy making guests happy

• Showcase Tasmanian nature, its wonderful wildlife and rare native flora

• Help develop innovative new nature experiences

• Be part of a friendly family run business

• Build your skills and connections under the guidance of experienced Unzoo directors

• Above award remuneration

Key responsibilities

• Welcome visitors from around the world with a smile

• Provide five-star guest experiences that embrace the Unzoo's unique eco-habitat as you lead guided nature walks around forest trails to show visitors the unique wild Tasmanian marsupials and birds and rare native plants

• Monitor local wildlife with remote cameras in the forests of Tasman Peninsula

• Help with maintenance of the Unzoo facilities and equipment

• Guest reception duties from time to time

• Some keeping duties to care for a handful of Tasmanian devils that are part of the Save the Devil Programme

It is best that you

• Have a love of Nature and are willing to embrace forward thinking Unzoo principles

• Be a people person with extensive experience in guiding and interpretation and leading nature tours and five-star customer service

• Have a sound knowledge of Tasmania's native fauna and flora and ecology, preferably with a zoology or natural science degree or similar tertiary qualification

• Understand small business requirements

• Be willing to work on a roster as part of an enthusiastic small team

• Possess skills and willingness to complete maintenance tasks

• Have a high standard of personal presentation

• Some experience as a wildlife keeper an advantage to help look after Tasmanian devils that are part of the Save the Devil Programme

• Fitness and ability to handle and carry loads up to 15 kg and to stand and walk for long periods

• Current first aid certificate

• RSA certificate

• Current driver's licence, preferably with a public passenger vehicle certificate

• Good literacy and extensive computer skills

• Willingness to work on some weekends and holidays on a rotating basis

About us

Our innovative "wildlife without cages" Tasmanian Devil Unzoo Project is a global leader in helping change the way zoos and wildlife parks might evolve in the 21st century. We have no boundary fence so our local wild animals and nearly 100 bird species can come and go as they wish.

The project has been developed under a master plan by international designer Jon Coe.

Your key focus is to tell our unique Unzoo story and to relate our nearly 50 years of playing a vital role in preserving the Tasmanian devil species. You will also be part of a unique wildlife monitoring effort using night cams to ensure the isolated Tasmanian devils of the local Tasman Peninsula remain free of Devil Facial Tumour Disease. We also would you to help us look after a few Tasmanian devils that are part of the Save the Devil Programme.

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is situated about an hour from Hobart on Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania's South East. The Unzoo operates 7 days a week.

You will be working in conjunction with the Unzoo Management team, and on-the-job training will be provided.

This is a full-time position, but part-time may be considered for the right candidate.

The Unzoo operates 7 days a week therefore you must be willing and able to work on some weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is a no-smoking and alcohol and drug-free work site.

We can assist with contacts to find accommodation in the local region if you require. 

The surrounding Tasman Peninsula is renowned for its spectacular coastal National Park, wineries, distilleries and restaurants, world class walking trails such as the Three Capes Track, surf beaches and boating and fishing. The area is home to a recently discovered species of marsupial and numerous endemic plants.