Animal Shelter Officer (Animal Care) Henderson Shelter

• Primarily Henderson, with flexibility to work at Silverdale, Manukau and Pukekohe shelters
• Permanent, Full-time, 40 hours per week, Tuesday to Saturday includes weekend and public holidays, starting at 7:45 am (public holiday shifts may be required)
• Deliver world-class animal care

He angitūtanga: The Opportunity

If you have a big heart for animals and want to make a real difference in the lives of dogs across Tāmaki Makaurau, this could be the perfect role for you. We’re looking for a caring and dedicated Animal Shelter Officer to join our team—someone who finds joy in helping animals feel safe, supported, and understood.

In this role, you’ll be part of a close-knit, passionate team committed to providing world-class care for impounded dogs. You’ll help ensure their wellbeing, support essential veterinary procedures (including euthanasia), and play an important part in promoting responsible dog ownership in our communities. Every day brings a chance to create positive change.

Key Responsibilities:

• Animal Care: Provide daily feeding, exercise, enrichment, and gentle socialisation to support each dog's wellbeing.
• Animal Handling: Use your understanding of dog behaviour to handle animals safely and confidently.
• Veterinary Support: Assist with health checks, treatments, and euthanasia with professionalism and compassion.
• Shelter Maintenance: Help keep our shelter clean, safe, and welcoming by following hygiene and safety protocols.
• Public Interaction: Build positive connections with dog owners and visitors, offering friendly guidance and support.
• Team Collaboration: Work alongside a supportive team, contributing to smooth operations and accurate record-keeping.

This is a permanent, full-time role (40 hours per week), working Tuesday to Saturday—including weekends and public holidays—with a 7:45 am start. 

He kōrero mōu: About You

You’re someone who genuinely cares—about animals, about people, and about doing meaningful work. You bring experience from animal care, shelter work, or a veterinary environment, and you’re confident handling dogs of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments.

You communicate clearly, stay calm under pressure, and bring emotional resilience to the more challenging moments of the job. You’re physically fit, ready for hands-on work, and adaptable—happy to work across different shelter locations and support the team where you’re needed most.

Key Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience in animal care or a related field.
• Physically fit and comfortable with manual tasks such as cleaning, lifting, and handling dogs.
• Emotionally resilient and able to support euthanasia and other sensitive situations with empathy.
• A strong commitment to health, safety, and animal welfare.  

Ngatanga 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!

This is band E.

Salary range: $69,345 plus KiwiSaver and benefits.

Find a copy of the position description here: https://bit.ly/4lbkwus

Applications close: 22 May 2026.

The role is deemed safety-sensitive and will require a pre-employment drug & alcohol test prior to offer. 

#workingforAuckland #animalshelter #animalcare

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.