Animal Shelter Officer - Pukekohe Adoption Centre

• Primarily based in Pukekohe, with flexibility to work at other shelters in Manukau, Henderson and Silverdale on an as needed basis.
• Permanent Full-time, 40 hours per week. Includes one weekend day and public holidays.
• Your chance to work with animals all day long, providing training and enrichment for the dogs in our care.

He angitūtanga: The Opportunity

We are seeking 10 dedicated and compassionate Animal Shelter Officers to join our team to support Auckland Councils new initiative in opening the new Pukekohe Adoption and Education Centre.

These roles are essential in ensuring fun, professional and timely service for our customers as well as meeting and exceeding the training, behavioural and well-being needs of all dogs in our shelter. Pukekohe Adoption Centre staff will be fun, friendly and knowledgeable individuals to working towards promoting adoptions and finding the best homes possible for the dogs in our care. You will be assessing the behavioural needs along the way and implementing training plans to ensure we are setting our dogs and adopters up for success. This role can be physically demanding, requiring you to be on your feet for most of the day and involves significant cleaning duties. It is also a highly rewarding role where you will work in a small team with other like-minded people, providing the best care and training for the dogs including taking them off site to local areas, parks, reserves and events to promote adoptions and instil basic training. This mahi will tie in with Animal Managements vision to promote safer communities and contribute positively to the lives of Aucklanders. There is room for professional development within the team and wider Animal Management unit.

We will have some officers more kennel focused, and some more office focused although there will be crossover as required. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

• Build and maintain exceptional relationships with both internal and external customers including vets and affiliated rescue groups.
• Ensure all animals receive proper care, including feeding, exercise and enrichment activities.
• Complete office tasks such as processing paperwork, serving customers, cash handling, facilitating adoptions and driving educational initiatives.
• Maintain a clean and safe environment for all shelter staff and animals.
• Provide training and work with dogs that may have behavioural challenges.
• Ability to assist the vet with various tasks including vaccinations, health checks and occasional euthanasia’s.
• Follow up on the requirements imposed by the Dog Control Act 1996.
• Facilitate or assist with education sessions for both adults and children.

He kōrero mōu: About You

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• Ability to work one weekend day every week and public holidays as required.
• Physical stamina to handle the demands of the job.
• Previous experience in animal handling, behaviour or husbandry is essential. An animal care or dog behaviour qualification is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Confident talking to groups and running education sessions with adults and children would be an asset.

If you are passionate about animal care and have the dedication required for this challenging yet fulfilling role, we would love to hear from you.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What We Offer

Join us in making dogs a positive part of Auckland life. We will provide you with training on the Dog Control and Impounding Acts and offer you the opportunity to contribute to the care and control of dogs while delivering outstanding customer service. This role is a chance to help achieve our vision for Auckland to be a world-class city.

Become part of our Auckland Council's Animal Management team, where we work across Auckland’s diverse communities to minimise harm and nuisance from dogs and other animals. We provide essential services such as dog registration and raise public awareness of responsible dog ownership.

This role will report to the Shelter Manager.

Me Tono Ināianei! Apply now!

Applications close 7 February 2025. Applications will be assessed after the closing date.

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.