The work experience program delivers the Zoo important direct and tangible outcomes. These include:
- Providing tertiary students with a reality check via an opportunity to work alongside Perth Zoo staff, see what really goes on behind the scenes and practice some of these skills in the career of their interest;
- Providing an opportunity for Supervisors to assess potential suitability for future employment;
- Providing developmental opportunities for our own staff to supervise and mentor students.
Secondary outcomes include:
- The opportunity to communicate the conservation, education and research objectives of the Zoo;
- Build the image and brand of Perth Zoo; and
- Work towards changing community attitude towards the preservation of all life on earth.
Click on a link below to jump to more information about work experience at Perth Zoo:
- What is ‘Work Experience’?
- Who is eligible?
- What sort of areas at Perth Zoo offer Work Experience placements?
- How long is a placement?
- How do I apply?
- Will I need insurance?
- What if I am still at school?
- Can I apply if I am a student studying overseas?
What is ‘Work Experience’?
This is an opportunity to work alongside Perth Zoo staff, see what goes on behind the scene and practice some of your skills in the career of your interest. It is not the same as becoming a Docent Volunteer at Perth Zoo. To find out more about volunteering click here.
Who is eligible?
The Zoo offers work experience placements to tertiary students currently studying in areas relevant to the Zoo. Students eligible to apply include those enrolled in TAFE courses such as horticulture and animal care or students enrolled at a University level in areas such as Zoology, Biology, Education, Marketing, Business, Conservation and/or Environmental Sciences.
What sort of areas at Perth Zoo offer Work Experience placements?
Currently Perth Zoo offers placements in the following areas:
- Zoo Keeping
- Native Species Breeding Program
- Australian Fauna
- Carnivore/Ungulates
- Primates - Horticulture
- Education
How long is a placement?
Work experience placements are for a maximum of 80 hours and predominantly Monday to Friday for a two week block or one/two days per week up to a maximum of 80 hours. Sometimes weekend placements can also be accommodated.
How do I apply?
Requests for work experience are plentiful and the numbers of placements are limited. In order to process the large volume of requests effectively, placements are arranged twice a year in March and August each year. Requests received after the last working date in these months will be held on file and considered for the next intake.
Eligible tertiary students should apply to:
Perth Zoo c/- Human Resources
PO Box 489
South Perth
WA 6951
You will need to provide the following:
- A letter identifying your area(s) of interest and dates of your availability;
- Confirmation of your enrolment at TAFE or University including what course and year you are currently studying; and
- A short resume identifying if you have any relevant work or volunteer experience in the field of your interest; finally
- Complete the Work Experience Application Form (doc).
Will I need insurance?
Should you be offered a place you will also need to provide evidence of Personal Accident Insurance cover. This is usually available through your educational institution, so discuss this with your Lecturer or Guild office.
What if I am still at school?
Unfortunately, Perth Zoo is unable to offer work experience placements to secondary students. However, if you are interested in working with wildlife as a career, check out Perth Zoo’s Into Wildlife seminar presentation.
Can I apply if I am a student studying overseas?
Work Experience placements are limited and Perth Zoo has a policy of prioritising local students over students studying overseas. Unfortunately, requests from overseas can not be accommodated. However, subject to availability, students who fit the above criteria and are temporarily residing in Perth may be placed and should follow the same process of application identified above.
