Animal Shelter Officer - Manukau (fixed-term)

• Primarily Manukau, with flexibility across shelters

• Full-time, 40 hours per week | 7:00 am start | Fortnightly rotating roster (includes weekends & public holidays)

• Your chance to work with animals all day long

He angitūtanga: The Opportunity

We are looking for a compassionate, resilient, and motivated Animal Shelter Officer to join our hardworking team. This role supports Animal Management's core mission—keeping Aucklanders safe from animal-related harm and nuisance—while ensuring the health and welfare of all dogs in our care.

You’ll work hands-on with dogs of all temperaments, provide essential care, and help reunite them with their owners or find them loving new homes. No two days are the same, and you’ll be part of a small, tight-knit team that values teamwork and kindness.

What you'll do

• Provide daily care to dogs including feeding, exercising, cleaning, and enrichment
• Ensure kennels and workspaces are clean, safe, and well-maintained
• Assist with adoptions, education, and reuniting lost pets with owners
• Support veterinary procedures, including euthanasia when required
• Process paperwork and help maintain shelter records
• Promote responsible dog ownership and follow the Dog Control Act 1996
• Build positive relationships with customers, team members, and external stakeholders

This is a physically demanding role—expect to be on your feet, cleaning, and lifting daily. You'll also need to be emotionally strong, especially when supporting euthanasia decisions. In return, you’ll be making a tangible difference to the lives of animals and the people who love them.

This is a fixed-term role until December 2025.

He kōrero mōu: About You

You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

• Calm, caring, and confident when working with animals, especially dogs
• A strong communicator who can work with empathy and professionalism
• Reliable, positive, and able to work independently and in a team
• Physically fit and comfortable working in an active, fast-paced environment
• Flexible with work hours, locations, and public holiday availability
• You hold a full New Zealand driver’s licence

Animal handling experience is preferred, and a relevant qualification is a plus—but not essential. On-the-job training will be provided, including behavioural handling techniques and legislation.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What We Offer

Join Auckland Council’s Animal Management team and contribute to a safer, more compassionate city. You’ll gain:

• A supportive, people-first work culture
• Opportunities to grow your career within a wider professional unit
• Training in animal welfare law and shelter operations
• A salary of $63,000 – $65,000 per annum + Kiwisaver and benefits

Join us in making dogs a positive part of Auckland life.
If you're passionate about animal care, community wellbeing, and personal growth, we’d love to hear from you.

Me Tono Ināianei! Apply now!

Applications close 20 May 2025.

Copy and paste the following link into your web browser to view the position description: https://bit.ly/3uFgJe9

#workingforAuckland #dogs #animalshelter

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 (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.