Animal Shelter Officer (Animal Care)

• Location: Manukau
• Salary & Employment: $69,345 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 passionate about animal welfare and looking for a role where your work genuinely matters every single day?

We’re seeking a dedicated and motivated Animal Shelter Officer to join the team at Manukau Animal Shelter. This is a hands-on role where you’ll directly contribute to the care, wellbeing, and outcomes of impounded dogs within a busy operational environment.

You’ll be part of a supportive, values-driven team committed to high standards of animal welfare and responsible shelter operations. The role includes supporting veterinary procedures, including euthanasia. We recognise this can be emotionally challenging, and we place strong emphasis on team support, training, and building resilience in this space.

This is an exciting time to join us. Our shelter expansion is nearly complete, and we’re entering a new phase of growth and development. You’ll be part of a team helping shape the next phase of shelter operations and animal care in Auckland.

No prior shelter experience? No problem. We provide comprehensive on-the-job training, including animal handling, behaviour assessment, health monitoring, and supporting veterinary procedures. What matters most is your attitude, reliability, and genuine commitment to animal welfare.

Key Responsibilities
•    Animal Care: Provide daily care including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, exercise, and ongoing monitoring of animal health and wellbeing.
•    Animal Handling: Safely handle and manage dogs using appropriate behaviour assessment and handling techniques to ensure staff and animal safety.
•    Veterinary Support: Assist with health checks, treatments, and veterinary procedures, including humane euthanasia, in a professional and compassionate manner.
•    Shelter Operations: Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic shelter environment in line with established protocols.
•    Customer and Public Engagement: Communicate respectfully with dog owners and members of the public, providing information and guidance on responsible dog ownership.
•    Teamwork and Records: Work collaboratively with colleagues and maintain accurate records to support compliance and operational efficiency.
 
He kōrero mōu: About You
Previous experience in animal care, shelter operations, or a veterinary environment is desirable, but not essential. If you have a genuine interest in working with animals, a willingness to learn, and the right attitude, we encourage you to apply.

You’ll be a team player who communicates clearly, takes pride in your work, and remains calm and professional in a fast-paced environment.

You’ll also need to be emotionally resilient and able to manage challenging situations. This includes supporting veterinary procedures, including euthanasia, and being part of a team that approaches this work with compassion, respect, and care for both animals and each other.

This role is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness to carry out daily manual tasks in an active shelter environment. Availability to work weekends and public holidays as part of a rostered schedule is required.

Key Requirements:
•    Previous experience in animal care or a related environment is desirable but not essential.
•    A genuine interest in animal welfare and willingness to learn.
•    Strong teamwork and communication skills.
•    Ability to safely handle dogs, or develop these skills through training.
•    Physical fitness to undertake cleaning, lifting, and other manual tasks.
•    Emotional resilience and professionalism in 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

Me Tono Ināianei! Apply now.
Salary range: $69,345 per annum plus Kiwisaver & Benefits
Find a copy of the position description here
Applications close: Tuesday, 5 May 2026
 
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.
 
 
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.