Inclusion and diversity

Zoos Victoria is committed to building a workplace that is grounded in respect, fosters inclusion, promotes diversity and embraces the unique skills and qualities of all our people and visitors. We encourage and acknowledge the diverse skills and perspectives that people bring to our workplace which are products of their gender, age, language, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation, working style, work and life experiences, and other qualities.

We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with disability.

Opportunities for people with disability

We’re working hard to make sure all Zoos Victoria properties are accessible and inclusive and we have reviewed our recruitment and employment processes to remove barriers which may hinder participation. We want to make sure that people with disability have an inclusive and supportive experience when applying, interviewing for, and joining Zoos Victoria. That’s why we also offer workplace adjustments and alternative formats of information during recruitment and employment.

Workplace adjustment 

Zoos Victoria recognises the diversity of its workforce and is committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers are able to use their skills and experience to contribute to the organisation’s moral purpose. This includes the opportunity to participate, without discrimination in work-related and activities conducted within a work context.

To view a copy of Zoos Victoria ZV Workplace Adjustment Policy, click here.

If you require adjustments to the application, recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please email hrhelpdesk@zoo.org.au (monitored regularly by Zoos Victoria HR team) and indicate your preferred method of communication (i.e. email, phone, text, National Relay Service) so we can meet your accessibility needs. If you are unable to send an email, you can contact our Customer Engagement Team on 1300 966 784 who will be able to assist with your adjustment request.

Accessibility

Melbourne Zoo

• Accessible carpark located within 20m of entrance
• Accessible meeting rooms
• Accessible bathrooms on ground floor

Werribee Open Range Zoo

• Accessible meeting and assessment rooms
• Accessible bathroom on ground floor

Healesville Sanctuary

• Accessible meeting and assessment rooms
• Accessible bathroom on ground floor

Corporate Office

• Accessible meeting rooms
• Required to use an intercom
• Accessible bathrooms on ground floor

'Stepping Into' internships

Stepping Into is a paid internship program facilitated for Zoos Victoria by our partner, the Australian Network on Disability.

There are two intakes into the internship programs each year (winter and summer internship) and work closely with the Australian Network on Disability to encourage students to apply. This year we offered one position for an intern in our HR team and another intern position in our Marketing team. 

For more information, refer to the Australian Network on Disability website

Indigenous employment

Zoos Victoria is a proud custodian of traditional country that includes a number of significant sites - both pre and post European settlement. We are acutely aware of the privilege and importance that comes with this. We commit to protecting, managing and celebrating the rich cultural heritage across our three properties in partnership with Traditional Owners. As the biggest visitor attraction in Victoria, there is an enormous opportunity to share Aboriginal stories and culture with the 1.7 million visitors coming to our three zoos every year and help embed greater community awareness of and appreciation for Aboriginal culture.

Zoos Victoria is committed to developing meaningful career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our Vision for Reconciliation

Zoos Victoria’s vision for reconciliation is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage to be protected, celebrated and shared. This heritage will be lauded with the utmost pride and respect in recognition as the first culture of  this land - in a society where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider Australian community work collaboratively to strive for respect, opportunity and equality for all.

This Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is underpinned by two key themes:

• Protecting and celebrating the landscapes within our properties that have cultural and heritage value
• Building better relationships and opportunities between Zoos Victoria and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.