Description

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This Certificate II is the introductory level course for those who are interested in the animal care industry and/or pursing a career as a keeper in the animal care industry.  Typical duties of Keepers in the animal care industry include the daily care of animals including preparing animal diets; feeding; training and conditioning; monitoring and maintaining health; capturing, restraining and assisting in moving animals; monitoring reproduction; maintaining animal exhibits; monitoring behavioural needs; implementing improved husbandry; and assisting in animal collection management.  Keepers also interact with the public, providing educational information and experiences to visitors. 

Duration

The course is presented over a twelve-month period, with classroom sessions conducted once per fortnight at Taronga Zoo. Students are also required to attend twelve practical industry days at Taronga Zoo to perform the daily duties of an intern Keeper under supervision. Students are also required to undertake course work in their own time.

Assessments

Course assessments are a combination of written answers to questions, reports, projects, observations of students performing tasks, and supervisor reports.

Units

The Certificate II comprises of 10 units (5 core units and 5 elective units) all of which must be successfully completed to gain the Certificate II in Animal Studies.

Core Units

RUV2101A      Work in the animal care industry

RUV2102A      Follow OHS procedures in an animal care environment

RUV2103A      Assist with general animal care

RUV2104A      Provide food and water for animals

RUV2105A      Participate in workplace communications

Elective Units

RUV3411A      Care for young animals

RUV2106A      Assist with food preparation

RUV2107A      Provide basic first aid for animals

RUV2108A      Rescue animals and apply basic animal care

RUV2401A      Prepare for and conduct a tour or presentation

Content

The Certificate II course covers the essential duties of a Keeper in the animal care industry. Included are the following topics:

  • Working in an animal care environment
  • OHS in an animal care environment
  • Checking the general condition and health of animals
  • Animal handling techniques
  • Cleaning of animal housing/exhibits
  • Providing food and water for animals
  • Communicating effectively in the workplace
  • Basic first aid for animals
  • Food preparation for various animal species
  • Animal rescue and restraint processes
  • Presentations and tours

Pathways

Upon successful completion of RUV20104 Certificate II in Animal Studies, further study options are available. RUV30204 Certificate III in Captive Animals is currently offered by the Taronga Training Institute, and is recommended for those who wish to pursue a career as a Keeper in the animal care industry.

Entry Requirements

Students of this course must have the New South Wales School Certificate (or equivalent) as a minimum. Students of this course must also be able to demonstrate good English skills (both verbal and written) and basic numeracy skills. Access to an animal care workplace is also a requirement to enable the practical components of the course to be undertaken. For TTI students, this workplace is required to be Taronga Zoo (Sydney). In this regard, all enrolled TTI students will be assured the required and planned access to Taronga Zoo.

Who is the course provider?

This Certificate III course is provided by the Taronga Conservation Society Australia's Taronga Training Institute, which is a Registered Training Organisation. The Taronga Conservation Society Australia is a leading zoological institution and operates both Taronga Zoo (Sydney) and Taronga Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo). 

Where is the course run?

The course's classroom sessions are conducted fortnightly at Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, Sydney. Students are also required to attend Taronga Zoo 12 days to perform the daily duties of an intern Keeper under supervision.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)/Recognition of Current Competency (RCC)

TTI provides a process for assessing and recognising prior learning/current competency, which is the acknowledgement of an individual's current skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work and/or life experience. TTI provides a person eligible for RPL/RCC with an RPD/RCC Kit, which details the evidence which must be supplied by the individual to enable their competency to be assessed and determined by a qualified assessor of TTI.

Refund Policy

Students are advised to give careful consideration to their course enrolment decision as enrolled students are only eligible for a full refund of course fees if TTI cancels the course; or if the student advises of their cancellation at least ten (10) working days prior to the commencement date of the course.  An administration fee of $20 will apply to students who cancel their enrolment.

How to Enrol

To enrol in this Certificate II in Animal Studies complete the enrolment form and return with payment. You will be notified by mail of your acceptance.

For any questions, please contact the Taronga Training Institute on (02) 9978 4746 or email tti@zoo.nsw.gov.au.