Senior Keeper (Birds)

About the Opportunity

Auckland, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant city life, is home to one of the most forward-thinking zoos globally — Auckland Zoo. The zoo's mission is centered on uniting people to create a sustainable future for wildlife. They emphasize animal welfare and conservation, integrating scientific research, education, and close ties with Te Ao Māori to achieve excellence.

This role is for a Senior or Lead Bird Keeper within the Animal Care & Conservation team. It presents a leadership opportunity suited for a passionate professional with over five years of experience in zoo keeping, dedicated to maintaining high animal care standards while mentoring fellow keepers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the daily care, husbandry, and welfare of birds in the assigned section.
• Assist the Team Leader with operational tasks and strategic planning.
• Provide mentorship, supervision, and training to other keepers.
• Contribute to exhibit design and species conservation action plans to promote wildlife protection.
• Engage the public through informative talks, guided tours, and champion conservation messages.
• Maintain strict adherence to health and safety protocols throughout zoo operations.
• Participate in conservation fieldwork projects both locally in New Zealand and internationally.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a zoo-keeping or wildlife environment.
• A minimum of five years’ hands-on experience with bird husbandry and operational zoo tasks.
• Qualifications in biological or conservation sciences or zoo-keeping expertise.
• Strong commitment to bird welfare and conservation best practices with comprehensive avicultural knowledge.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to foster teamwork and provide effective training.
• Good physical fitness to handle outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Full New Zealand Driver’s License (manual preferred).

Additional Information

This is a permanent, full-time position requiring some work on weekends and public holidays. Salary is approx. NZD 78,665.60 annually (equivalent to an hourly rate of NZD 37.82), based on qualifications and experience.

Auckland Zoo offers a positive team environment with a broad range of benefits and partnership discounts. Diversity and inclusion are valued, and accommodations are provided during recruitment if needed.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Visa applicants should verify eligibility independently, as immigration assistance is not provided.

Pre-employment checks may include police vetting, Ministry of Justice clearance, drug and alcohol testing, employment verification, and qualification confirmation.

Application Process

• Submit a tailored cover letter (maximum one page) and a concise CV (maximum three pages).
• Keep CV entries concise; omit using non-compulsory fields if current.

Applications close on Sunday, 30 August 2026.