Animal Shelter Officer (Operations)

• Location: Silverdale
• Salary & Employment: $69,345 per annum, Permanent, Full-Time (40 hours/week)
• Work Schedule: Rotating roster with weekend and possible public holiday shifts

He angitūtanga: The Opportunity
Are you passionate about animals and customer service? We are looking for a dedicated Animal Shelter Officer to join our supportive, high-achieving team at Silverdale Animal Shelter. This is an office-focused role where you'll primarily engage in administrative tasks, but there may also be opportunities to work in the kennels when required. You will play a crucial part in ensuring the safety and well-being of both animals and the community. With a positive, collaborative team atmosphere, you’ll find this role not only fulfilling but also highly rewarding.

What You'll Be Doing

• Managing office-based tasks: Your primary responsibility will be handling administrative tasks such as processing paperwork, managing customer service inquiries via phone, email, and in person, cash handling, and facilitating adoptions. You'll help ensure the shelter runs smoothly by facilitating educational initiatives and offering excellent service to the public.

• Reuniting lost dogs: You'll play a key role in reuniting lost dogs with their owners by following shelter procedures, using various methods to track down dog owners and ensuring animals are safely returned.

• Building relationships: You will foster strong relationships with internal team members, external partners such as veterinarians, rescue groups, and the public, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration within the shelter and beyond.

• Compliance and documentation: You’ll ensure the shelter operates in accordance with the Dog Control Act 1996, managing necessary paperwork and ensuring that all procedures and regulations are followed.

• Animal care and shelter maintenance: While your main focus will be office work, you will occasionally assist in the kennels. This will involve general animal care, including feeding, exercise, and providing enrichment activities, along with maintaining a clean, safe, and hygienic environment for both animals and staff. Be ready for a fast-paced environment where you will need to be on your feet for various tasks, including cleaning and animal care duties.

He kōrero mōu: About You

To thrive in this role, you’ll need:

• Strong multitasking abilities, with the capacity to stay organized and efficient in a busy, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent administrative and customer service skills, with experience handling inquiries and providing support via phone, email, and in person.
• Previous experience in an office, call centre, or administrative role is a plus.
• A compassionate, resilient attitude toward both animals and customers, with the ability to handle sensitive situations with care and professionalism.
• The ability to problem-solve quickly and think on your feet, ensuring smooth service and effective solutions for both customers and animals.
• A proactive mindset, willing to take initiative and contribute ideas to improve processes and enhance team success.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to interact clearly and empathetically with people from all walks of life.
• Flexibility and adaptability, able to respond to changing needs and priorities in a dynamic environment.

If you're someone who thrives in a dynamic, team-driven environment, enjoys a variety of tasks, and has a passion for both animals and delivering exceptional customer service, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou:  What We Offer

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. 

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

Me Tono Ināianei! Apply now!

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Salary:  $69,345 plus KiwiSaver and benefits.

Find a copy of the position description here: https://bit.ly/4kEpdw4

Applications close: 12 November 2025.

The role is deemed safety-sensitive and will require a pre-employment drug & alcohol test prior to offer. 

#workingforAuckland #animalshelter #animalcare

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer. We serve the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, educational background, or religious beliefs. We also welcome applications from our Rainbow communities as well as disabled and neurodivergent people. We are committed to making our hiring process accessible to everyone. If you require any support or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.