Title:  Keeper

Permanent 40 hour position | Ectotherms Zookeeper

Tātaki 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 opportunity 

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’. 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 sustainably

We 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 you

The 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: https://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz 

To review the full position description, please click here: Zookeeper | Auckland Zoo

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

This 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 these please click here: 

If 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 2025

Pay: $59’384 – 76’960 NZD per annum subject to experience

This 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.nz

Please 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.

#zoo

Tātaki 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.