Role:  Manager Conservation and Zoological Populations

• Located at Sydney’s Iconic Taronga Zoo 

• Ongoing Full-time position 

• TCSA Salaried Employees Award, Clerk Grade 11/12, annual package from $169,716 (includes base salary $149,739 + plus superannuation & leave loading) 

Lead the future of conservation at Taronga! 

About the Role… 

As Manager, Conservation and Zoological Populations, you’ll drive the strategic direction of Taronga’s zoological population planning, including conservation and threatened species recovery, and Taronga’s animal welfare framework, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver science-led, high-impact outcomes.  

Working at the intersection of research, operations and partnerships, you’ll shape sustainable animal populations, advance conservation breeding and reintroduction initiatives, and position Taronga as a global leader in zoo-based conservation and animal welfare. 

Key Accountabilities… 

• Lead the development, implementation, review and integration of strategic animal population planning, animal welfare, threatened species conservation and recovery strategies across all taxa.  

• Lead Taronga’s threatened species conservation and recovery portfolio, including conservation breeding and reintroduction initiatives. 

• Oversee genetic, demographic, reproductive and welfare management strategies and standards for all Taronga’s animal populations 

• Identify and manage strategic, operational and reputational risks across animal welfare and conservation programs.  

• Ensure compliance with all relevant local, State, Federal and international legislation, regulations, conventions and permits related to animal management, welfare, transport and reintroduction. 

• Manage Taronga’s provision of expertise, advice and technical support to external agencies and partners within the relevant expertise of the team. 

• Contribute to influencing policy, legislation and sector standards related to animal welfare, meta-population management and threatened species recovery. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, NGO partners, research institutions and industry stakeholders. 

• Provide leadership to a multidisciplinary team. Foster a cohesive, high-performing and purpose-driven culture which delivers for internal and external stakeholders, with alignment to Taronga strategy. 

• Manage budgets, financial delegations and resources in accordance with Taronga and NSW Government requirements. 

About You… 

We are looking for candidates that have:  

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing complex, multidisciplinary teams, programs and budgets.  

• Extensive experience in wildlife population management, threatened species conservation, population biology and/or animal welfare.  

• Experience in zoo population management and/or ex-situ conservation breeding 

• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and contribute to policy and sector leadership 

• Tertiary qualifications in animal welfare, conservation biology, biological sciences or a related discipline.  

• NSW Driver Licence (or equivalent). 

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 

• Free onsite car parking, outside of peak periods  

• 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… 

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 (2pgs max per response). 

1. Can you describe a time you developed and delivered a long-term conservation or animal management strategy? What were the important components of design and delivery? What was your role? What outcomes did it achieve? 

2. Describe a project or team you have led where effective resource prioritisation and management were critical to achieving the required outcome? What approach did you take, and what strategies did you use to keep the project on track.