Role:  University Sessional Academic Facilitator

Taronga Zoo is looking for experienced, driven and motivated University Academic Facilitators who are interested in joining a leading organisation in conservation, education, animal management and transformational guest experiences.

• Casual position, starting in February 2026
• TCSA Salaried Employees Award, Clerk Grade 5, $62.79 per hour Monday – Friday (this includes casual loading)  

About the Role…

This role involves working with the Taronga University Programs Team to deliver consistent, high-quality education outcomes for tertiary students enrolled in the Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation (Taronga), co-delivered with The University of Sydney. The team teaches into over seven units of study across the degree, with two large core units being AVBS1003/WILD1001 Animals and Us (Semester 1) and BIOL2032/WILD2002 Australian Wildlife Biology (Semester 2).

You will engage with students from diverse degrees, backgrounds, and stages of study who are enrolled at the University of Sydney. Teaching is in-person across both Taronga Zoo, Sydney, and the University of Sydney, Camperdown Campus.

We are looking for teaching commitments on:

• Wednesdays in Semester 1 (Feb – June) and/or
• Tuesdays or Wednesdays in Semester 2 (July – November)
• Plus training and marking sessions which may fall on other days of the week
• Additional opportunities to assist the University Programs team are likely to arise

*Please still consider applying if you can only commit to one of these semesters.

Key Accountabilities…

• Guide and engage students during prescribed and structured practical and tutorial sessions at Taronga Zoo and the University of Sydney
• Encourage active, inquiry-based learning by promoting discussions and posing questions and scenarios
• Attend all training activities to ensure thorough understanding of the content, concepts and pedagogical approaches of the unit of study
• Escalate any student queries to Taronga and University of Sydney academics as appropriate
• Prepare thoroughly for all teaching sessions to maintain a professional and confident presence in front of students, including reviewing content, organising materials, and planning activities in advance
• Expected to engage in provided professional development to stay current with industry and teaching practices
• Collaborate with coordinators from Taronga and University of Sydney as well as other sessional academics to ensure consistency and quality of content delivery
• Mark assessments and exams, providing constructive feedback in a timely mannerBe professional and punctual at all times and comply with Taronga’s Customer Service Charter.
• Actively report, and participate in delivering constructive feedback, to unit coordinators
• Comply with and suggest sustainability practices in the workplace to help achieve Taronga’s sustainability targets and reduce environmental impact.
• Deliver practicals in a safe learning environment and comply with and report any Work, Health and Safety incidents in line with Taronga’s Work, Health and Safety Charter.

About You…

We are looking for candidates that:

• Hold at minimum a completed Masters, or be currently undertaking a PhD, in a related science discipline (preferably wildlife conservation)
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to lead and inspire students
• Hold a current paid NSW Working with Children Check, or be willing to obtain and maintain one at your own expense

Benefits…

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

• 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
• + more!

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.

1. Describe a time when you taught a diverse cohort of students. Explain what was important to consider, and how you adapted your teaching style to meet the needs of these students.
   
   
2. Describe a time when you have facilitated students in a practical setting rather than demonstrated to them.  Briefly explain the different approaches you would take between these two methods of teaching, and how you would encourage student engagement.

Applications Close: 11:59pm Sunday 11 January 2026

All applications will be reviewed in the new year, and candidates will be contacted for interviews to be held of the week commencing 19 January 2026.