Curator of Birds/Auckland Zoo

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. At Auckland Zoo, wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability is at the very heart of what we do.

Our mission is “to bring people together to build a future for wildlife” and we do this by demonstrating exceptional care for wildlife, inspiring our visitors to value wildlife, conserving wildlife in the wild and building a high-performance organisation.

An ambitious capital development programme was recently initiated, one which will deliver new infrastructure across the zoo and a remarkable transformation to much of the site – this is our #FutureZoo.

We are currently seeking a Curator of Birds to contribute to the zoo’s operational and strategic development in three core areas of responsibility:

Managing the zoo’s birds and bird keeper team - ensuring excellence in husbandry and welfare; maximising our contribution to native recovery programmes; maintaining innovative and imaginative exhibits.

Developing, managing and delivering a portfolio of bird-focussed domestic and international field projects.

Advancing the team/department/zoo’s scientific credentials through research and publication.

He kōrero mōu: About you

As a senior member of the Life Sciences department, the Curator of Birds will be expected to work closely with other members of the senior life sciences team as well as the twelve-strong bird team. You will lead and manage relevant projects with diverse team members, both internal and external, to deliver high quality innovative projects which deliver tangible conservation benefits.

You will be ambitious and creative, realistic and solution focussed, and a skilled communicator, adept at coaxing the best from everyone in your team.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:

Minimum 10 years taxonomically relevant zoo and/or field conservation programme experience, coupled with extensive and proven staff leadership experience
Demonstrable knowledge of intensive species management and animal collection planning
Experience of planning and delivering field programmes
Relevant tertiary qualification in biological/ecological/conservation sciences – additionally a post-graduate qualification in biological or conservation science would be an advantage
Demonstrable familiarity with the aims and activities of recognised conservation bodies such as the IUCN, CPSG and NZ Department of Conservation.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

This is a unique career opportunity working within the lush, green environment of Auckland Zoo and the varied landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand.

We offer a competitive remuneration package, generous holiday allowance, and the pleasure of working in an award-winning new building at the Zoo. You will also have access to the full range of Auckland Council benefits – we have a range of discounts and deals with corporate suppliers which cover financial services, health, retail and hospitality discounts to name a few.

A relocation package will be offered to the successful applicant including assistance through the visa process. But the key benefit of this role is the ability to make it your own.

We're a close-knit team that is passionate about Auckland Zoo’s mission and we’re looking for like-minded individuals who share our values.

For the right talented and committed individual, this will be your dream job.

For a copy of the full position description, please email Lesley.paton@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

This position is deemed a safety sensitive position and will require pre-employment drug testing.This is a permanent, full-time position, working 40 hours mostly Monday to Friday.

Please note, you will be required to undertake occasional work outside of normal office hours, including weekends and public holidays

Applications close 20th March 2020

To Apply or learn more please click HERE