Keeper Tātaki Auckland Unlimited location Auckland. NZD $58,080 - 69,574 depending on experience.

The opportunity 1-year Fixed Term Position 40 hours per week | Ectotherms & Birds Keeper. Auckland 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'.

We strive for 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 Māori & evolving our organisation sustainably.

Working under the Team Leader of Ectotherms, the primary focus of the role is to help deliver the care of the Zoo's birds, 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 800,000 annual visitors.

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in the development of the Zoo's bird and ectotherm sections, to actively contribute to conservation both in the zoo and in the field, and to work with some of the world's most extraordinary animals including unique New Zealand taonga like kiwi, takahē, tuatara, wētāpunga and Archey's frog.

You'll be 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. 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.

About you the successful candidate will have experience in at least 1 of the two areas (Birds or Ectotherms) is enough to apply, both will be highly advantageous. Strong interpersonal skills, ensuring a good team fit in a busy and technically demanding section. Tertiary qualification in zoology/biology/conservation is an advantage. A foundational understanding of bird and ectotherm husbandry covering a broad range of relevant taxa.

A desire to develop 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 fieldwork.

What we offer salary range is NZD $58,080 - 69,574 depending on experience. We also have an ever-growing availability of discounts and partnership benefits.

Benefits working for an organisation with a conscience means having a role that has a positive impact on the world. 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.