Senior Bird Keeper

Auckland Zoo is recognised as one of the most progressive zoos in the world. A winner of national and international environmental-related awards, it is home to 126 different species and over 1,000 animals.

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 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 growing collection of exotic birds, in line with the Zoo's masterplan.

The opportunity

As a senior Birds Keeper, you will work as part of a team responsible for the daily husbandry and management of 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. This is a unique opportunity to play a role in the care of the Zoo's bird collection, to actively contribute to conservation in the zoo and in the wild, and to work with some of the world's most threatened bird species, including brown teal and blue duck, orange-fronted parakeet, saddleback, and kaka.

As a senior member of our team, you will also guide and support our keepers in their day-to-day work, and also in their ongoing progression.

About you

You will hold a recognised qualification in captive animal management and/or tertiary qualification in a zoology/biology-related field as well as having a minimum of 5 years' experience working with a variety of bird species in captivity.

You will also have:

A track record of innovative husbandry including development of training and enrichment programmes.
Effective communication skills and the ability to perform public animal encounters
Demonstrated commitment to the conservation of species and ecosystems.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to positively contribute to a team environment.
Driver's licence and the ability to drive a manual vehicle.

This is a full-time role, working on a 7-day rotating roster system including weekends and public holidays. A high level of energy and physical fitness will enable you to meet the daily challenges of the role. 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.

If you have proven relevant animal husbandry experience and 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 by actively participating as a member of the Life Sciences team.

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