Animal Keeper Orana Wildlife Trust New Zealand

Orana Wildlife Trust is on the hunt for a full-time Animal Keeper to join its team in Harewood, Canterbury, New Zealand. This permanent gig pays $50,000 to $55,000 a year, working out to about $24 to $26 an hour for a 40-hour week, right in line with what you’d expect for conservation work in New Zealand. The job’s all about looking after a mix of native and exotic critters, helping with breeding programs, and getting visitors fired up about saving wildlife. Applicants need 2 years of hands-on experience in a zoo or similar setup, and a qualification in Zoology, Biology, or Captive Animal Management will give you an edge. You’ll need top-notch people skills and the stamina to keep up with a physically tough role.

About Orana Wildlife Trust

Orana Wildlife Park, run by the not-for-profit Orana Wildlife Trust, is a cornerstone of conservation in Canterbury. The park’s all about protecting endangered species, restoring local habitats, and keeping pests at bay, while teaming up with big players like the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA). Its goal? Get folks excited about nature and committed to its future. As it nears 50 years, the trust builds a tight-knit team driven by a love for wildlife.

Job Title

Animal Keeper

Responsibilities

• Feed critters and keep an eye on their health every day.
• Jot down notes on how animals are acting and feeling.
• Come up with fun activities to keep animals active and happy.
• Track feeding schedules, meds, and health updates in logs.
• Pitch in on breeding programs tied to WAZA guidelines.
• Chat with visitors through talks to spark conservation interest.
• Keep animal enclosures spick-and-span and safe.
• Team up with vets to handle animal health checks.
• Lend a hand with habitat restoration and pest control work.
• Spread the word about wildlife protection to visitors.
• Use tools and gear for daily animal care jobs.
• Stick to safety rules across all park tasks.
• Join team meetings on safety or workplace vibe.
• Work shifts, including weekends and public holidays.
• Drive manual vehicles for park errands when needed.

Requirements

Education

A diploma or degree in Zoology, Biology, Captive Animal Management, or something similar is a big plus, but not a must.

Experience

At least 2 years working directly with animals (think mammals, birds, reptiles, or even farm animals) in a zoo, sanctuary, or like setting.

Skills

• Great at chatting with visitors and coworkers alike.
• Sharp eye for spotting changes in animal behavior.
• Creative knack for planning animal games and training.
• Team player who fits into a close-knit crew.
• Tough enough for heavy lifting and outdoor work.
• Handy with basic tools for animal care tasks.

Knowledge

• Know-how on what animals need to eat to stay healthy.
• Clear on the five domains of animal welfare.
• Familiar with zoo breeding and conservation efforts.
• Some understanding of habitat restoration tricks.
• Aware of safety dos and don’ts in a zoo.
• Basic knowledge of New Zealand’s wildlife.

Other

Need a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a manual vehicle.

Applicant Location

This job’s based onsite at Orana Wildlife Park in Harewood, Canterbury, New Zealand. Applicants must be legally allowed to work in New Zealand and able to show up at the park.

Application Procedure

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• Tap the “Apply Now” button.
• Fill in Your Details and Upload Your Resume.
• Hit Submit and You’re Done!
• Wait for the employer to contact you.

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