Visitor Services or Volunteer Assistant Orana Wildlife Trust location Canterbury.

Set in 185 hectares, Orana Wildlife Park (Christchurch) is New Zealand’s only open range zoo. The Park is home to 1,000 animals representing over 90 different species; the focus of our collection is New Zealand native fauna and African savannah wildlife. Orana continues to work through our exciting development plan to ensure the Park evolves into the future.

Operated as a charitable trust, Orana fulfils an important role in managed zoo-based breeding programmes. We make significant contributions to recovery programmes for Aotearoa’s threatened species (e.g. kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet), connect visitors with wildlife and inspire people to care about the plight of Aotearoa’s and the world's endangered species.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a suitably skilled person to join our Visitor Services Team. This is a key front-line role with direct interaction with visitors. You will need to be a highly driven and energetic individual with fantastic people management skills and a passion for wildlife. The successful applicant will ensure that visitor experiences are of a consistently high standard.

This is an extremely diverse role and helps to oversee the Trust’s volunteer programme including recruitment, training and the day-to-day organisation of our valued team of volunteers. The role has responsibility for all public presentations, behind the scenes commercial encounters and conveying key conservation messages to visitors at Orana Wildlife Park.

The successful applicant must possess the following attributes. Be an accomplished public presenter – drama/theatre sports skills will be considered an advantage. Outstanding customer service and people management skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. A team player with a “can do” attitude and attention to detail. A positive, polite and friendly personality. A passion for conservation and the aims of the Trust. Animal husbandry knowledge and experience will be considered an advantage.