Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo is looking for Zoo Keeper volunteers who are interested in supporting our Animal Care Teams to provide industry leading wildlife care and welfare to our animals at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.

Rain, hail or shine, our Volunteer Keepers get involved with every aspect of animal care, so expect to be cleaning, chopping, wheelbarrowing, shovelling, raking, and anything else it takes to ensure our animals are provided with the highest level of welfare possible.

Please refer to the Division Descriptions attached for more details on the divisions that are taking part in this recruitment:

• Division 2 - Australian mammals, farm animals and meerkats
• Division 3 - Mixed Exotics
• Division 4 - Elephants

• Roles are available 7 days per week, Monday to Sunday with shifts starting at 7am and finishing between 1:15pm and 3:20pm. 
  o    Division 2: 7am – 1:15pm
  o    Division 3: 7am – 3:20pm
  o    Division 4:  7am – 3:20pm 
• Applicants must be available to volunteer weekly or fortnightly, with the potential for monthly to be considered in some cases.
• This role requires a 12-month commitment - At the end of which volunteers may reapply.
• Please read through the attached role descriptions to see if this is the right role for you and which division/s are the best fit for you. You will be able to share your preference in the application however please note it will not be a guarantee you will be appointed that division.

Please note: Applicants successful in progressing to the next stage will be required to attend a short interview, scheduled for Wednesday 18th March.

• Personal attributes including punctuality, reliability, a friendly manner and commitment to the 12-month role.
• A good level of physical fitness, stamina and the ability to work in all weather conditions. A typical day as a volunteer keeper could see you complete anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 steps a day performing repetitive manual labour tasks such as raking, chopping food, shoveling etc.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a part of a diverse team and capacity to read, understand and carefully follow directions and WHS protocols.
• Optional: Previous experience with animals
• A valid NSW Working with Children Check, which is free for volunteers, and to declare any ‘relevant offences’ working with animals by signing a Working Directly with Animals declaration form.

A one-off Volunteer Programs fee of $90 will be charged for successful applicants**.  
This enables many volunteer benefits, including;

• Taronga Volunteer Uniform; Polo shirt, fleece and optional hat
• Complimentary entry passes to Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo for family and friends*
• Free parking
• Discounts on retail and food outlets, accommodation, products and special programs
• Reciprocal deals and discounts with suppliers and partners
• Presale access and discounts on major events such as Twilight at Taronga
• Taronga Value Awards & recognition scheme
• Early access, sneak peeks and access to internal systems and communications
• National Volunteer Week, International Volunteer Day and other initiatives and events
• Induction, learning and development & networking opportunities
• Opportunity to take part in special events and programs

*Complimentary passes are distributed in December each year.
** Financial hardship support available, please get in touch

Fill in the application form below. As part of your application, you will need to outline the reason you wish to become a Taronga Volunteer, as well as addressing the selection criteria outlined in the application.

Apply Now

Applications must be submitted via the Taronga Volunteer Vacancies website by 11.59pm, Sunday March 1st, 2026.
Applications received via SEEK or GoVolunteer will NOT be processed.
If you have any queries or require any assistance with the application process, please email volunteer@zoo.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 6881 1473 

Key Dates
Applications Close: Sunday March 1st 2026
Interviews: Will be held on Wednesday March 18th 2026