Inclusion and diversity

Zoos Victoria is committed to building a workplace that is grounded in respect, fosters inclusion, actively promotes diversity and embraces the unique skills and qualities of all our people and visitors. We acknowledge the diverse skills and perspectives that people bring to our workplace which are products of their gender, age, language, culture, disability, sexual orientation, working style, life experience and other qualities. We encourage and support applications from First Nations Peoples, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability and people from the LGBTQIA+ community.

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 we work closely with the Australian Network on Disability to encourage students to apply. The internship is available to students in their second or final year of their studies. 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 operates on country that includes a number of culturally significant sites. 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 four 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 First Nations Peoples.

Our Vision for Reconciliation

Zoos Victoria’s vision for reconciliation is for the cultural heritage and histories of First Nations Peoples 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 First Nations communities.

Conservation First Nations Internship

Through our Baillieu Myer Internship program, we have an exciting First Nations Internship position within our Wildlife Conservation and Science team for candidates who have recently completed an undergraduate education and are looking to get some on the job experience. This internship is for 12 months, and one placement is offered every year which will be advertised via our job board.

Gender Equality Action Plan

Under the Gender Equality Act 2020, Zoos Victoria has an obligation to promote workplace gender equality and consider gender equality in our policies, programs and services. Our Gender Equality Action Plan 2021-2025 guides the work we are committed to delivering over the next four years:

Gender Equality Action Plan 2021 - 2025

Our progress report was completed early in 2024 and can be found here:

GEAP Progress Report 2024