Animal Shelter Officer (Animal Care)

• Location: Pukekohe Adoption Centre
• Salary & Employment: $65,000 to $70,000 p/a plus Kiwisaver & Benefits, Fixed-term until 10 June 2027, Full-Time (40 hours/week)
• Work Schedule: Tuesday to Saturday, 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.
 
This is a fixed-term role until 10 June 2027 to backfill an employee on parental leave. Please note that the fixed-term may end earlier if the employee returns to work before this date.

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 
 
Me Tono Ināianei! Apply now!
Salary range: $67,000 to $71,000 plus KiwiSaver and benefits.
Find a copy of the position description here: https://bit.ly/4lbkwus
Applications close: Monday, 5 October May 2026

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By applying for this role, you consent to Council obtaining a reference from your current employer, including information about any active conduct investigations and current performance management processes, if you are the preferred candidate. Reference checks will only be undertaken at the preferred candidate stage. Any non-active performance or conduct matters may also be discussed with referees as part of the reference checking process.

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Auckland Council 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.