Volunteers

Volunteers come from all walks of life to join the Symbio crew. Here you can work with dedicated people, from whom you can gain knowledge, developing your own professional and personal skills. Volunteers are an important part of the team, and we welcome their involvement and enthusiasm.

People volunteer for many different reasons: to learn what it's like to be a zoo keeper, to gain experience to further their careers, or just for the personal satisfaction of their efforts.

There are many benefits to volunteer work. It's a great way to show potential employers that you are hard-working, dedicated to giving back to the community, and to make a contribution to conservation. You will also learn more about the animals themselves. In addition, it's a fun and rewarding way to spend your free time in the best office in town, surrounded by amazing animals from all over the world.

If you are enthusiastic, dependable, friendly, out-going, interested in conservation, and you enjoy working outdoors, you may be just what we are looking for. You will get to hang out with some of our amazing and interesting animals.

Our Volunteers help out with lots of different tasks, including, but not limited to:

• Making sure our enclosures are in excellent condition by Sweeping, hosing, raking, cleaning windows, and of course, cleaning up poo (and there is no shortage of it)
• Preparing food and treats that our animals enjoy
• Making toys for some of our more inquisitive residents
• Helping guests as they wander through the park
• Performing public presentations/keeper talks to the visitors and to school groups
• Roving walks with certain animals like our dingoes, possums and reptiles

To be a Volunteer at Symbio you must meet the following commitments:

• You must be 18 yrs or older.
• Do the same hours as our keepers, 7:20 – 4:30 and work in all weathers (rain or shine).
• It is a minimum requirement that you have an up to date tetanus vaccination. It is desirable that volunteers have their hepatitis A & B vaccinations, this is compulsory before volunteers can work with primates. Evidence of these vaccinations will be required from your doctor for our records.
• It is a minimum one day per week commitment (you choose which day, and you can change your day if needed). Special arrangements may be considered if completing a relevant course where more hours are required.

The process for applicants will be as follows:

• Once we receive your application, you will be contacted by one of our Zookeepers to organise an interview time - generally only for 5-10 minutes, if we both think it is worthwhile to proceed you will have a trial day at the Zoo.
• 2 passport photos will be required on your trial day
• We will require a $100 donation (cash only) on your trial day as a conservation contribution and to cover your training. This is non-refundable. 
• if accepted into the Volunteer Program you will be expected to reach a level of competency in your first 4 weeks which are compulsory days.
• if you reach that level of competency in that time you can become a fully fledged member of the program and wear a volunteer uniform and enjoy further benefits as you progress.

To apply to become a Volunteer simply download and read the Frequently Asked Questions

We look forward to working with you!

APPLICATION FORM

I understand that if accepted as a volunteer at Symbio Wildlife Park, I will;

• Voluntarily offer my services with a clear understanding that their will be no monetary compensation, or guarantee of employment.
• Be prompt and reliable, by committing to the selected shift
• Notify the volunteer coordinator if I will be absent, or upon leaving the program
• Adhere to Symbio’s policies and procedures.
• Wear appropriate clothing, footwear and bring appropriate weather protection.
• Undertake all training and inductions required to be accepted into the program.
• All activities in the park are confidential and I will not disclose any information to unauthorized parties relating to Symbio Wildlife Park.
• Volunteers are no included under work cover regulations or any other Insurance program whilst on Symbio property, or traveling to or from the park. We recommend that you obtain your own personal insurances for any accident or incident arising from your Voluntary position at Symbio. All volunteers should ensure that they have all vaccinations up to date.

I certify that all of the information in this application is up to date and correct.

Before returning your application, ensure that you have completed the following checklist

• …All application questions have been answered.
• Up to date tetanus vaccination.

Invalid or incomplete applications will not be processed