Animal Shelter Officer (Animal Care)

• Location: Manukau
• Salary & Employment: $65,961 per annum, Permanent, Full-Time (40 hours/week)
• Work Schedule: Rotating roster including weekend and public holiday shifts.

He angitūtanga: The Opportunity

Are you committed to animal care and looking for a role where you can truly make a difference? We’re looking for a motivated and compassionate Animal Shelter Officer to join our vibrant, dedicated team at Manukau Animal Shelter, providing high-quality care for impounded dogs in our facility.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring animal welfare, supporting veterinary procedures, including euthanasia, and promoting responsible dog ownership. You will be part of a collaborative team that is committed to delivering world-class animal care and meeting Auckland Council’s statutory obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• Animal Care: Feed, exercise, socialise, and monitor the well-being of dogs in the shelter.
• Animal Handling: Safely manage dogs, applying knowledge of behaviour to ensure safe handling.
• Veterinary Support: Assist with health checks, treatments, and euthanasia procedures.
• Shelter Maintenance: Maintain a clean and safe environment, following hygiene protocols.
• Public Interaction: Engage with dog owners and the public, providing guidance on responsible ownership.
• Team Collaboration: Work with colleagues to meet operational needs and maintain accurate records.

He kōrero mōu: About You

The ideal candidate will have previous experience in animal care, shelter operations, or veterinary environments. Strong communication skills, the ability to handle animals confidently, and emotional resilience in challenging situations are essential. The role requires physical stamina to perform manual tasks and work in an active environment. Additionally, flexibility is

key, as the candidate must be willing to occasionally work across multiple shelter locations and be available on weekends and public holidays when needed.

Key Requirements

• 3+ years’ experience in animal care or a related field.
• Physically fit and able to handle manual tasks, including cleaning and lifting.
• Emotionally resilient when supporting euthanasia and other challenging situations.
• Strong commitment to health and safety.

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

Tono Mai: Apply Now!

Application close date: 10 September 2026

Salary: $65,961 per annum

This role is deemed safety-sensitive and in line with Auckland Council policy, you will be required to complete pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.  

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.