Animal Shelter Officer (Animal Care)

• Location: Pukekohe
• Salary & Employment: $65,000 to $70,000 per annum plus Kiwisaver & Benefits, 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 the Pukekohe Adoption Centre, providing high-quality care for adoptable dogs in our facility.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring animal welfare, supporting veterinary procedures, including euthanasia, and promoting adoptions and 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.
• Dog Training & Socialisation: Support behavioural development through training sessions, enrichment activities, and guided socialisation.
• Veterinary Support: Assist with health checks, treatments, and euthanasia procedures as needed.
• Shelter Maintenance: Maintain a clean and safe environment, following hygiene protocols.
• Public Interaction & Education: Engage with potential adopters, dog owners and the public, providing guidance on responsible ownership, and represent the shelter at adoption and community education events as needed.
• Team Collaboration & Administration: 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, dog training, public education, or veterinary environments. Candidates should possess the skills to communicate confidently and effectively with the public and colleagues, and be able to demonstrate resilience when navigating the emotional aspects of adoption work. 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 rostered 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.
• Excellent customer service skills and a friendly, approachable manner.
• 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: Thursday, 22 January 2026  

Salary: $65,000 to $70,000 per annum plus Kiwisaver & Benefits

Position Description: here 

Notes:

1. We appreciate your interest in this role. If you have applied within the past three months, we will not require you to apply again
2. If you are a Temp under Agency, please apply via the Auckland Council external website. 

Auckland Council is committed to the protection and wellbeing of children and vulnerable.  This role is classified as a Children's Worker role under the Vulnerable Children Act 2014. As such applicants will be required to undergo police vetting prior to commencing employment.  This position is also deemed a safety sensitive position and will require pre-employment drug testing. Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory police check.  

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.