Artist – Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, where we recognise the diversity of our workforce and community – be it on the basis of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We provide specific workplace programs to support diversity and equal employment opportunities for women, people with disabilities and all cultural backgrounds.

The artwork created by the Artwork Department consists of: Photography, Sculptures, Mock-Rock, Structural, Painting, Drawing, Print making and carving. They are responsible for ensuring that projects meet the desired design and are safe for use within public areas, staff only areas and enclosures.

The Artist works collaboratively with a dedicated team consisting of Artists, General Labourers and Trade Qualified Labourers and assists in meeting project completions. They are responsible for ensuring safe construction of new habitats, displays and artwork sculptures and work collaboratively with the wider Zoo team.

To be successful in this role, you must have a demonstrated understanding of Australia Zoo’s Vision, Mission and Goals and Australia Zoo’s policy and procedures. You must have the ability to work within and lead a collaborative team of tradespersons.

Duties Include:

• Construct and assemble projects under the direction of the Senior Management Team and the Head of Department.
• Create designs and prototypes to propose to the Senior Management Team and appropriate stakeholders.
• Select and arrange subjects and mediums as best suited for the particular project.
• Prepare artistic materials.
• Conceive, develop and design animal enclosures in conjunction with the Head of Departments.
• Sketch designs and construct scale models for prototype designs.
• Carve, model and assemble materials to assist the wider team.
• Work collaboratively alongside the Artwork department, Heads of departments and Species coordinators to ensure projects meet appropriate expectations.
• Use a range of power tools and equipment whilst ensuring Workplace Health and Safety standards are met at all times.
• Maintain a safe and tidy working environment at all times, and ensure that any workspaces meet housekeeping guidelines at all times.
• Operation and general maintenance of machinery.
• Maintain records of observations and report on stock levels and maintenance logs where appropriate.
• Communicate with the Senior Management regarding ideas to apply to the department, and problems occurring within the section.
• Remain competent and aware of all aspects of Zoo emergency procedures.
• Maintain relevant vehicles and trailers.
• Assist with general maintenance of all facilities, fences and signage in and around the Zoo.
• Construct frameworks in which artwork is developed upon.
• Read plans and specifications to determine the materials required, dimensions and installation process.
• Install metal and timber artwork throughout Australia Zoo.
• Maintain and sharpen tools as required.
• Assist with monitoring and directing safety checks within your work area.
• General carpentry to assist the artwork department when required.
• General labouring to assist the artwork department when required.

Essential Criteria:

• Hold current Driver’s Licence.
• Full availability, including weekends, public holidays, and school holiday periods.
• Artistic ability, and passion for creating artwork and sculptures.
• Experience with Natural themed painting.