Bird Keeper

Bird Keeper

· Rare opportunity to work at one of the world's leading zoos

· Contribute to the in situ conservation of New Zealand wildlife

· Unique chance to work regularly in the field.

Auckland Zoo is proud of its commitment to the World Zoo and Aquarium Strategy.

Sign up to our team and help "build a future for wildlife".

We are currently seeking an experienced Keeper to join the bird team at the Zoo.

As a member of the Zoo's bird team the primary focus of the role is to care for the

Zoo's bird collection, providing best practice husbandry, contributing to our

understanding of the biology of these species and delivering attractive animal

exhibits and meaningful encounters to our 700,000+ annual visitors.

Auckland Zoo's New Zealand precinct - Te Wao Nui - is a journey through six

geographic zones and the flora and fauna of each. The focus on native species

provided by Te Wao Nui catalyses many opportunities for the zoo to contribute to the

conservation of New Zealand wildlife, both directly and indirectly. Around 25-30 New

Zealand bird species are managed by the bird team, at least four of which are

actively involved in breed-to-release programmes. The bird team is also responsible

for the care of a small collection of exotic birds, predominantly Australian psittacines,

and will take an active role in developing this aspect of the collection in line with the

Zoo's masterplan.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the care and development of the

Zoo's bird collection, to actively contribute to conservation both in the zoo and in the

field, and to work in the zoo and/or in the field with some of the world's most

threatened bird species, including brown teal and blue duck, fairy terns and shore

plover, kaka, takahe, kokako and even kakapo.

The successful candidate will:

· Hold a recognised qualification in captive animal management and/or tertiary

qualification in zoology/biology-related field

· Have at least 2 years' experience working with a variety of bird species

· Demonstrate a track record of innovative husbandry and captive research

· Have an understanding of training and conditioning techniques and

behavioural enrichment

· Be self-motivated, and be able to work independently or as part of a large

team

· Have excellent customer service skills

· Express a commitment to and understanding of the World Zoo Conservation

Strategy 2005

· Show effective communication skills and ability to perform keeper encounters

· Have an aptitude for and interest in undertaking field work

· Possess a valid full driver's licence.

If you have proven relevant bird husbandry experience, a high level of energy and

physical fitness and a desire to achieve conservation outcomes through your zoo based career, then this is the opportunity you have been waiting for. High priorities

for this position include playing a key role in the development and delivery of visitor

experiences and contributing to the overall strategic management of the zoo by

actively participating as a member of the Life Sciences team.

Applications for this role will close on Sunday, 20 March 2016 at 10:30pm.

This is a full time role, working on a 7-day rotating roster system including weekends

and public holidays.

Please note: This role is deemed a safety sensitive position and will require pre-employment drug testing.

Auckland Council is committed to the protection and wellbeing of children. A

component of this role involves interaction with children so, as a part of the

assessment of candidates, we will require Police Vetting of candidates to ensure we

are providing a safe environment for children. This requirement complies with the

Vulnerable Children Act 2014.

Click HERE to apply

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