Skip to main content
ANZ Migrate
← Back to occupation search
361114 · ANZSCO 2021

Zookeeper

Classification
Occupation
Skill level
3
Assessing authority
VETASSESS

Classification

Description

Feeds, provides water for and monitors the health of animals in zoos, aquaria and wildlife parks, cleans, fixes and maintains animal cages, and informs visitors about animals.

Specialisations

  • Aquarist

Unit group

3611 · Animal Attendants and Trainers

Description

Animal Attendants and Trainers train, exercise, feed, groom, and care for animals.

Skill level

Australia

AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

New Zealand

NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3) In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. The occupations Pet Groomer, Kennel Hand and Animal Attendants and Trainers nec in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below. In Australia: AQF Certificate II or III, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4) In New Zealand: NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4) In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Registration or licensing may be required.

Occupation skill level 3

Tasks

Tasks include

  • teaching animals to obey verbal and non-verbal commands and addressing behavioural problems
  • training animals to accept riders and pull vehicles
  • training animals and conditioning horses to perform in competitions
  • reporting to trainers on horses’ progress and performance
  • bathing, cutting, combing, blow-drying and styling pets' coats, clipping their nails and cleaning their ears
  • inspecting, preparing, cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining comfortable animal cages and enclosures
  • transporting food, filling water troughs and feeding animals according to their individual needs
  • maintaining animal health records, treating minor injuries and reporting serious conditions to Veterinarians
  • exercising and playing with animals, answering visitor questions, and transferring animals between enclosures by leading or carrying them
  • dusting and spraying insecticides on animals and immersing them in insecticide baths, to control insect pests

Occupations in this unit group

Sources