341 Animal Trainers and Zookeepers, and Veterinary Nurses
341 Animal Trainers and Zookeepers, and Veterinary Nurses
Train, educate and handle animals, and assist Veterinarians.
OSCA skill level
The occupations in this minor group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.
- Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
3411 Animal Trainers and Zookeepers
Train, educate and handle animals.
Domestic Animal Care Workers are excluded from this occupation unit group. Domestic Animal Care Workers are included in Unit Group 4614 Domestic Animal Care Workers.
OSCA skill level
The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.
- Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
341131 Dog Handler or Trainer
Teaches dogs to obey commands and undertake specific tasks.
Skill level: 3
Main tasks
- Evaluates dogs to assess temperament and suitability for training
- Designs and implements training programs to teach dogs basic obedience commands
- Trains dogs to perform specific tasks such as search and rescue, detection or assistance work
- Uses positive reinforcement techniques to reward desired behaviours and discourage unwanted behaviours
- Conducts training sessions with individual dogs or groups of dogs
- Monitors and evaluates the progress of dogs during training, and adjusts training methods as required
- Provides guidance and support to dog owners on how to continue training at home
- Assists in the selection and placement of trained dogs with appropriate handlers or owners
- Keeps up to date with advancements in dog training techniques and professional development opportunities
341132 Horse Trainer
Educates and prepares horses for riding, breeding, racing, work, show, competitions, or other horse sports and activities.
Registration or licensing may be required.
Track Riders are excluded from this occupation. Track Riders are included in Occupation 341133 Track Rider.
Specialisations
- Horse Educator
- Racehorse Trainer
- Thoroughbred Horse Trainer
Skill level: 3
Main tasks
- Evaluates horses' physical condition and temperament to determine training needs
- Develops and implements training programs to improve horses' performance and behaviour, and reports on horses' progress
- Educates horses to obey verbal and non-verbal commands
- Trains horses to accept riders and pull vehicles
- Trains and conditions horses to perform in competitions, races and other horse-related activities
- Provides care and maintenance for horses, including feeding, grooming and medical attention
- May evaluate and select horses for purchase or sale based on their potential and suitability
- May assist with breeding and foaling processes, including selecting suitable mates and overseeing mating procedures
341133 Track Rider
Exercises thoroughbreds to condition them for racing by riding the horse at varying speeds.
Registration or licensing may be required.
Horse Trainers are excluded from this occupation. Horse Trainers are included in Occupation 341132 Horse Trainer.
Alternative titles
- Exercise Rider
- Trackwork Rider
Skill level: 3
Main tasks
- Rides thoroughbred horses at varying speeds to condition them for racing
- Exercises horses according to the instructions of a horse trainer
- Observes and assesses the horse's performance and behaviour during exercise, and reports on progress to the horse's trainers and owners
- Monitors the horse's physical condition and reports any signs of injury or illness
- Assists with the grooming and care of the horse, including feeding and stable maintenance
341134 Zookeeper
Feeds, provides water for, and monitors the health of animals in zoos, aquaria and wildlife parks. Cleans, fixes and maintains animal enclosures, and informs visitors about animals.
Specialisation
- Aquarist
Skill level: 3
Main tasks
- Feeds and waters animals according to schedules and dietary requirements
- Monitors animal health and behaviour, reporting concerns
- Cleans and maintains animal enclosures
- Assists with the capture, restraint and transportation of animals
- Administers medications and treatments to animals under veterinary direction
- Conducts inspections of animal enclosures to identify and address safety hazards and maintenance issues
- Interacts with visitors and participates in education programs, providing information about animals and conservation efforts
341199 Animal Trainers and Zookeepers nec
This occupation group covers Animal Trainers and Zookeepers not elsewhere classified.
Skill level: 3
Occupations in this group include:
- Cameleer
- Marine Mammal Trainer
- Snake Catcher
3412 Veterinary Nurses
Care for animals under treatment and in temporary residence at veterinary facilities and assist Veterinarians to perform procedures and operations.
OSCA skill level
The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.
- Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
341231 Veterinary Nurse
Cares for animals under treatment or in temporary residence at veterinary facilities, and assists Veterinarians to perform procedures and operations.
Specialisations
- Critical Care and Emergency Veterinary Nurse
- Equine Veterinary Nurse
Skill level: 3
Main tasks
- Provides care and support to animals under treatment or in temporary residence at veterinary facilities
- Assists Veterinarians in performing procedures and operations on animals
- Prepares animals for surgery, including administering anaesthesia and monitoring vital signs
- Administers medications and treatments to animals as directed by Veterinarians
- Assists with diagnostic procedures such as taking X-rays or collecting samples for laboratory testing
- Provides post-operative care to animals, including monitoring their recovery and administering medications
- Ensures hygiene processes are maintained, including cleaning and sterilising equipment and facilities
- Provides basic grooming and hygiene care to animals, such as bathing and grooming
- Educates pet owners on proper animal care, and provides advice on nutrition, exercise and preventive health care
- Assists with euthanasia procedures and provides emotional support to pet owners