Senior Keeper

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Senior Keeper (Birds) at Auckland Zoo, part of Auckland Council, is a permanent full-time onsite leadership role in the Animal Care & Conservation team. The successful candidate will have 5+ years in bird husbandry, proven zoo leadership, relevant qualifications, and a passion for conservation, with duties including daily animal welfare, mentoring keepers, assisting with exhibit planning, public engagement, and field conservation; weekend and public holidays work may be required. To apply, submit a bespoke one-page cover letter and a concise three-page CV that show measurable conservation outcomes and leadership impact, ensure you can work in NZ with a valid NZ driver's license, and check visa options. Applications close on 9 August 2026.

• Senior Keeper (Birds)
• Permanent Full-time Position
• Salary range: $ 78,665.60 ( Hourly: $37.82 ) 

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland is a global city with stunning scenery, wonderful beaches, and sub-tropical islands. It is also a city with one of the most progressive zoos in the world. Auckland Zoo’s mission is to ‘Bring people together to build a future for wildlife’.

Through science, learning & training, and strengthening our relationship with Te Ao Māori, we strive for excellence in animal care & welfare, conserve wildlife in the wild and nurture a lifelong connection with nature to enhance the well-being of our communities.

We are looking for a Senior or Lead Bird Keeper to join our Animal Care & Conservation team. This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated professional with 5 + years of zoo-keeping experience to take on a leadership role, ensuring the highest standards of animal care and welfare while mentoring and guiding keepers across our animal sections.

The successful candidate will:

• Be responsible for the daily husbandry, care, and welfare of the animals in your section
• Support the Team Leader in operational and strategic leadership.
• Provide training, supervision, and mentorship to keepers
• Assist in exhibit planning and species action plans to enhance conservation outcomes.
• Engage with the public through talks, tours, and conservation advocacy.
• Ensure health and safety standards are upheld across all aspects of zoo operations.
• Participate in field conservation projects in New Zealand and abroad.

You will report to the Team Leader of your section.

Note:  this position will be required to work some weekends and public holidays.

To review the full position descriptions, please click here: Senior Keeper

He kōrero mōu: About you

We are looking for looking for applicants with:

• Proven leadership experience within a zoo-keeping or wildlife environment.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in bird husbandry and zoo operations.
• Relevant qualifications in biological/conservation sciences or zoo-keeping.
• A passion for conservation and bird welfare, with in-depth knowledge of best practices.
• In depth knowledge of avicultural skills
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to train and mentor others.
• A high level of physical fitness, as the role involves working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to obtain a Full New Zealand Driver’s License (manual preferred).

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer.

Salary range: $ 78,665.60 ( Hourly: $37.82 ) per annum based on skillset and experience.

There is also an ever-growing range of discounts and partnership benefits, for a snapshot of these please click here: Benefits

We are a fun and enthusiastic team who thrive in this challenging and rewarding area and who work in innovative areas on an international level.

Tono mo te mahi/To Apply

• Please provide a bespoke cover letter (max 1 page) and concise CV (max. 3 pages)
• You do not need to add your roles in the non-mandatory fields if your CV is up to date.
• You must have, or be able to obtain, the right to work in NZ.  If you will be applying for a visa we strongly encourage you to check your eligibility and further information via the NZ Immigration website as we are not able to provide you with immigration or visa advice. We are an accredited employer. 

Applications close on Sunday 9 August 2026

#zoo

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited 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.

Employees in receipt of salary protection and/or on the predecessor Tātaki Auckland Unlimited terms and conditions of employment, please note that the salary protection and/or predecessor Auckland Unlimited terms and conditions, including relocation, apply to your current position. Should you change to a new position (other than any secondment) you will be issued with a new employment letter of offer with current Auckland Unlimited terms and conditions.

Please note you may be required to conduct Police Vetting, MOJ and/or Drug and Alcohol testing checks if your role requires this and any other pre-employment checks required including eligibility to work in NZ, references and qualification checks if you are the preferred candidate.