Title:  Team Leader Carnivores | Auckland Zoo

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Team Leader (Carnivores) | Permanent Full-time Position

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. Auckland Zoo’s mission is to ‘Bring people together to build a future for wildlife’.

Through science, learning & training, and strengthening our relationship with Te Ao Māori, we strive for excellence in animal care & welfare, conserve wildlife in the wild and nurture a lifelong connection with nature to enhance the well-being of our communities.

We have a rare opportunity for a dedicated Team Leader to oversee staff, facilities, and animals for the carnivore section. The role involves managing animal husbandry and welfare, a team of talented keepers, and associated infrastructure while ensuring an exceptional visitor experience.

The Team Leader will understand the ultimate purpose of a modern zoo and the role of the zoo animals in delivering positive outcomes for communities and conservation. They will promote a science-based approach to husbandry and all other operations, support the development and implementation of field conservation skills and opportunities for their team, and align all section activities and objectives with the Animal Care & Conservation department and Auckland Zoo strategic commitments.

Note:  this position will be required to work some weekends and public holidays.

To review the full position description, please click here:  Team Leader

He kōrero mōu: About you

The successful candidate will have:

• Demonstrated leadership and team building skills, able to communicate and motivate staff to achieve agreed objectives, proactively manage staff performance and resolve conflict.
• A degree in a relevant field (biological/conservation sciences) and/or Certificate in Zookeeping (minimum) or equivalent qualification(s), and/or demonstrable relevant professional achievements which illustrate the application of scientific principles.
• An understanding of and commitment to the broad and growing role of a good modern zoo in conservation, science, and community wellbeing.
• Knowledge of environmental issues facing New Zealand and a commitment to supporting the development of field conservation opportunities for all staff.
• Minimum ten (10) years’ experience within a Zoo and/or other relevant field/s.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer.

Salary range: NZ $77,634 - $95,697 per annum based on skillset and experience.

There is also an ever-growing range of discounts and partnership benefits, for a snapshot of these please click here: Benefits   

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.

Tono mo te mahi/To Apply

• Please provide a bespoke cover letter (max 1 page) and concise CV (max. 3 pages)
• You do not need to add your roles in the non-mandatory fields if your CV is up to date.
• You must have, or be able to obtain, the right to work in NZ.  If you will be applying for a visa we strongly encourage you to check your eligibility and further information via the NZ Immigration website as we are not able to provide you with immigration or visa advice. We are an accredited employer.
• Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday 27th April 2025

If you have specific questions regarding this role, please contact:

gina.seward@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

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.

Employees in receipt of salary protection and/or on the predecessor Tātaki Auckland Unlimited terms and conditions of employment, please note that the salary protection and/or predecessor Auckland Unlimited terms and conditions, including relocation, apply to your current position. Should you change to a new position (other than any secondment) you will be issued with a new employment letter of offer with current Auckland Unlimited terms and conditions.

Please note you may be required to conduct Police Vetting, MOJ and/or Drug and Alcohol testing checks if your role requires this and any other pre-employment checks required including eligibility to work in NZ, references and qualification checks if you are the preferred candidate.

#zoo