ABOUT THE ROLE

This 6-month contract position (full time) manages the coordination and implementation of ZAA’s Accreditation Program, focusing on positive animal welfare, biosecurity, safety practices and leadership, sustainability and conservation.

ZAA aims to achieve Positive Animal Welfare - this underpins all that we do, utilising a scientific approach via the Five Domains Animal Welfare Assessment Model for assessing an animal’s welfare.

The role includes coordination of the ZAA Standards and Accreditation Committee, and management of projects relevant to enhancing the Program over time.

Responsible for ZAA’s team of Accreditation Officers, day to day management of the Program and the Accreditation Program budget, this role reports directly to the Association Executive Director.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Day to day management of the ZAA Accreditation Program. In conjunction with the ZAA Accreditation and ZAA Operations and Member Support teams, manage implementation of the ZAA Accreditation Program.
• Project management. For ongoing development of the ZAA Accreditation Program, project management skills for coordination of Program enhancements to increase Program outputs.
• Asset development. Development of communication assets for ongoing member communications, particularly for implementation of Program enhancements.
• Stakeholder management. Effective communication and coordination across internal ZAA Teams, the ZAA Standards and Accreditation Committee, the ZAA Board, ZAA members and other relevant third-party stakeholders.
• Budget management. Manage the Accreditation Team requirements and program processes within the agreed annual budget
• Team management and leadership. Day to day management of Accreditation team with strong communication and coordination skills, for driving a high-performance team.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you must have a deep understanding of animal welfare, and strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Additionally, the following skills and competencies are required:

• Tertiary qualification preferably in relation to animal science
• Understanding of progressive zoo and aquarium processes and ethos
• Understanding of animal biology and animal husbandry
• Understanding of accreditation theories and processes
• Understanding of auditing principles and processes
• Analysis and management of complex systems
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proficient in Microsoft office suite
• Attention to detail
• Strong initiative
• Multiple tasks / prioritising

ABOUT US

As a peak body, the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) represents the collective voice of the zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries and wildlife parks across Australasia that operate to the highest standards.

ZAA and our members lead over 100 breeding programs in support of conservation and threatened species recovery, including active contribution to threatened species recovery around the world.

We have a progressive, science-based approach to animal welfare. Using the Five Domains Model, ZAA grants accreditation to zoos and aquariums that have clearly demonstrated their commitment to positive welfare. This approach champions welfare from the animal’s perspective and it underpins all that we do.

As an association, we bring our members together, facilitating shared knowledge and continuous improvement in conservation, welfare, biosecurity, science, research, social and community programs.

ZAA is a positive and motivated for purpose organisation, with a high impact culture which genuinely celebrates inclusivity and diversity. ZAA enjoys a contemporary working environment based on site at Taronga Zoo and supports hybrid working arrangements. Whilst candidates with a Sydney location are preferable, consideration will also be given to those from other locations in Australia.

If you think this is the ideal opportunity for you, please apply ASAP.