Keeper

Auckland
Permanent
Full-time

16 days ago

Permanent 40 hour position | Ectotherms ZookeeperTātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) is Auckland's cultural, events and destination agency. It enriches the cultural life and vibrancy of Auckland through events, experiences and taonga (treasures). Its work connects communities, celebrates identity and grows Auckland's reputation as a world-class place to live, visit and belong. TAU is a proud Auckland Council-controlled organisation.He angitūtanga: The opportunityAuckland is a global city with stunning scenery, wonderful beaches and sub-tropical islands. It is also a city with one of the most progressive zoos in the world. For the last decade, Auckland Zoo's mission statement has been to, 'Bring people together to build a future for wildlife'. This Strategic Roadmap sets out our commitments and our goals over the next five years, that will enable us to deliver on this mission and to move towards our vision of, 'A future where people value wildlife and species are safe from extinction'. The 'Seven Commitments' of this Roadmap reflect our renewed strategic priorities as a community focused cultural organisation in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and as a modern wildlife conservation science organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand:Excellence in animal care & welfare, enhancing the well-being of our communities,nurturing a lifelong connection with nature, conserving wildlife in the wild, science, learning & training, strengthening our relationship with Te Ao Maori & evolving our organisation sustainablyWe are currently seeking an Ectotherm keeper to join the Zoo's Animal Care & Conservation team. Working under the Team Leader of Ectotherms, the primary focus of the role is to help deliver the care of the Zoo's reptiles, amphibians, fish & invertebrates, providing best practice husbandry, contributing to our knowledge of these species through research and publication, and delivering world-class animal habitats and meaningful encounters to our 900,000 annual visitors. You will also help to develop and deliver a portfolio of related conservation programs in the field.This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in the development of the Zoo's ectotherm section, to actively contribute to conservation both in the zoo and in the field, and to work with some of the world's most extraordinary ectotherms including unique New Zealand taonga like tuatara, wētāpunga and Archey's frog. The section maintains a growing number of 'exotic' species, complimented by the authentically-themed South East Asian 'Swamp Forest' tropical dome, home to Sunda gharial and thousands of fresh water fish.He kōrero mōu: About youThe successful candidate will have:

Three years plus professional experience working with relevant taxa
A good understanding of ectotherm husbandry covering a broad range of species, aquarist experience would be advantageous
Strong interpersonal skills, ensuring a good team fit on a busy and technically demanding section
Tertiary qualification in zoology/biology/conservation/ animal husbandry
Skills in innovative exhibit design and best practice husbandry
Demonstrated ability to deliver excellent customer service
Commitment to and understanding of the World Zoo Conservation Strategy 2015
Strong organisational skills, aptitude for creative problem-solving and a 'can-do' attitude
Interest in and commitment to undertaking conservation field work
A full driving licence, experience with off road driving would be advantageous

If you have proven relevant animal husbandry experience, a desire to deliver tangible conservation outcomes and relish the opportunity to positively contribute to the work of a devoted team of zoo professionals, then this is the opportunity for you. High priorities for this position include delivering the highest standards in husbandry and welfare, actively contributing to a cohesive team culture and demonstrating adaptability within an ambitious and dynamic section environment.For further information on Auckland Zoo, please visit our website:To review the full position description, please click here:Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offerThis is a permanent full-time role, working on a variable roster system including some weekend days and public holidays. A high level of energy and physical fitness will enable you to meet the daily challenges of the role. We are a fun and enthusiastic team, who thrive in this challenging and rewarding area and who work in innovative areas on an international level.We also have an ever-growing availability of discounts and partnership benefits, for a snapshot of theseIf you have a passion for ectotherms and a desire to achieve tangible conservation outcomes through your zoo-based career, then this is the opportunity you have been waiting for - apply now!Applications close: Sunday 7th September 2025Pay: $59'384 - 76'960 NZD per annum subject to experienceThis position is deemed a safety sensitive position and will require pre-employment drug testing.If you have specific questions regarding this role, please contact me via email at: chyrsella.ball@aucklandcouncil.govt.nzPlease note that if you are applying from overseas, we strongly recommend you seek advice from immigration New Zealand on the visa application process and your likely eligibility before applying https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas.#zooTātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) is Auckland's cultural, events and destination agency. It enriches the cultural life and vibrancy of Auckland through events, experiences and taonga (treasures). Its work connects communities, celebrates identity and grows Auckland's reputation as a world-class place to live, visit and belong. TAU is a proud Auckland Council-controlled organisation.Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.He kōrero mō Tātaki: About TātakiTātaki Auckland Unlimited is part of the Auckland Council whānau, responsible for Auckland Live, Auckland Zoo, Auckland Conventions, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland Stadiums, and many of the festivals and events that make Auckland a great place to live and visit.Our people are driven by passion and a sense of service to Aucklanders. What we share is our love of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and our passion about the work we each do to make it a dynamic and exciting place.Each part of Tātaki is important, but when we come together, we bind into something more powerful than the sum of our parts. We all work in partnership with each other and our delivery partners, to make Tāmaki Makaurau a vibrant place where everyone can thrive.

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