Role:  Aboriginal Programs Manager - Taronga Zoo / Taronga Western Plains Zoo

• Located at either Taronga Western Plains Zoo Wiradjuri Country or Taronga Zoo, Cammeraigal Country

• Temporary, full-time 3 year position 

• TCSA Salaried Employees Award, position is within the Clerk Grade 9/10 classification and will be remunerated at the Grade 10 level.  annual package from $157,022 (includes base salary $138,539 + plus superannuation & leave loading) 

Join us in a role that proudly walks alongside community. As part of Taronga’s Education Division, you will lead our Cultural Programs Education team across Sydney and Dubbo, working closely with Elders, First Nations groups and partners to shape meaningful learning experiences. This is an opportunity to champion cultural inclusion, strengthen community voices, and help embed First Nations knowledge, perspectives and stories across all of Taronga’s programs and places. 

About the Role… 

Lead, develop and and manage Taronga’s Cultural Programs Education team, driving the delivery of high-quality First Nations education and experience programs. The role champions cultural inclusion and safety by engaging with external First Nations groups, facilitating community consultation, and embedding First Nations perspectives across Taronga’s operations, programs, and strategic initiatives. It also represents Taronga nationally, builds strong networks, and supports the organisation’s Commitment to Country pillar, ensuring Taronga is recognised as a culturally inclusive, values-driven, and First Nations employer of choice. 

Key Accountabilities… 

• Lead and manage the Cultural Programs Education team - primarily First Nations employees to deliver high quality education and experience programs, often in partnership with external partners (e.g. Department of Communities and Justice).  

• Facilitate ongoing community consultation through co-ordinating Taronga’s Aboriginal Advisory Groups and working with external groups and agencies to ensure quality engagement and programs.  

• Work with the wider Taronga team to deliver key outcomes as part of the Commitment to Country strategic pillar. 

• Lead the implementation of Taronga’s ‘Ways of Working’ strategy,  

• Lead the integration of First Nations inputs and perspective in the capital program and site management including cultural interpretation elements and the development of policies and practices. 

• Work across the Guest Learning and Community Impact team to support the embedding of First Nations content, perspective, language and knowledges across programs, staff training, and other initiatives. 

• Represent Taronga at external forums and develop and maintain networks nationally to support the strategic development of programs throughout the zoo, conservation, and tourism industries. 

• Support and assist Identified and targeted roles across Taronga – including but not limited to traineeships, keepers, trade role and conservation roles. 

About You… 

We are looking for candidates that have:  

• Deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures, histories and a strong commitment to cultural safety for self and others. 

• Experience working effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island colleagues and stakeholders.  

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with a demonstrable ability to exercise influence in dealings with internal and external stakeholders including at senior levels.  

• Demonstrated research, analytical, strategic thinking and project management skills 

• Experience managing Cultural programs, ideally in an education context  

• Obtain and maintain a current paid NSW Working with Children Check at own expense. 

• Obtain and maintain a current Senior First Aid Certificate.  

Benefits… 

Our employees enjoy generous employment conditions including some of the following: 

• Flexible Hybrid work model - Taronga supports a blend of in-office, remote, and on-the-go workers! 

• Complimentary family and friends passes across both Taronga’s Sydney & Dubbo Zoo’s 

• A wide range of discounts on our award winning accommodation across both sites 

• Discounted food and beverage purchases across the sites 

• Discounted Fitness Passport 

• We’re a social team - there’s always lots going on around the zoo that we get involved with! 

• + more! 

We Value Diversity… 

Taronga is an equal opportunity employer, where we recognise the diversity of our workforce and community – be it on the basis of gender, age, culture, religion, language or personal circumstances.  

Taronga is also committed to building on the perspectives, experience, knowledge and skills that this diversity brings to our organisation. 

About Applying… 

Information Sessions 

Taronga warmly invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to join one of our upcoming information sessions to learn more about the role, the team, and the application process. 

These optional sessions (both online and in-person) are designed to support you and provide a culturally safe space to ask questions before applying. 

Session Options: 

• In-person session: Taronga Zoo Sydney: 4pm on Monday 2 February 2026 

• In-person session: Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo: 4pm Wednesday 4 February 2026 

• Online session: 4pm Tuesday 10 February 2026 

• Online session: 4pm Tuesday 17 February 2026 

To register: 
Email Paul Maguire (Hiring Manager) via pmaguire@zoo.nsw.gov.au

If you are unable to attend, you’re welcome to request a one-on-one conversation by contacting Paul via email or phone 0417 463 716. 

To Apply.... 

Please submit your resume and a cover letter of one page. You are also required to complete the two target questions as part of your application. 

1. Describe a time you have worked with First Nations communities, knowledge holders or organisations to design or deliver a program, project, or initiative. What was your role, how did you ensure cultural safety and genuine collaboration, and what was the outcome? 
    

2. Provide an example of how you have helped embed First Nations perspectives, language, culture or knowledge into organisational practices, programs, or learning experiences. What approach did you take, and how did you ensure integrity, respect and sustainability in the work? 

Applications Close: 11:59pm Sunday 22 February 2026