Team Leader Birds/ Auckland Zoo, New Zealand

Current vacancies

· 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 and when you join our team, you are signing-up to help "build a future for wildlife".

We are currently seeking a Team Leader to manage the bird team and collection at the Zoo.

As a key member of the Zoo's Life Sciences team, the Team Leader's role is to ensure that the staff, facilities and animals associated with the bird section are managed to achieve excellence. Working under the Curator of Ectotherms & Birds, the primary focus of the advertised role is to oversee 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. You will also be expected to help identify, develop and deliver significant bird research and conservation programmes in the field.

Auckland Zoo's $15 million 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 also catalyses many new 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 integral to breed-to-release programmes. The bird team is also responsible for the care of a collection of exotic, predominantly Australian, birds and will take an active role in developing this aspect of the collection further in line with the Zoo's masterplan.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the development and direction 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, kokako, orange-fronted kakariki, takahe, and even kakapo.

The successful candidate will have:

· Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated leadership and team building strengths demonstrated over a minimum of five years.

· A tertiary qualification in biological/conservation sciences and/or equivalent experience and a recognised qualification in captive animal management.

· A minimum of five years aviculture experience in a senior/supervisory position

· A track record of innovative husbandry and captive research.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Strong management skills with emphasis on working to time and budget constraints.

· Demonstrated ability to deliver excellent customer service.

· Commitment to and understanding of the World Zoo Conservation Strategy 2015.

· Experience of project planning and management.

· Experience in field-based conservation projects, ideally focused on birds, or an aptitude for and interest in undertaking such field work.

If you have proven relevant animal husbandry experience, strong leadership skills, can actively manage a team of professional zoo staff, and have a desire to really 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.

Interested applicants should follow this link to the Auckland Council website where they will be able to find a full position description and instructions for the application process:

Closing date for applications is Friday 10th November 2017.

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

To Apply please click HERE