Job vacancies

 

Thank you for the interest in employment opportunities at Orana Wildlife Park. The zoo industry in which we operate is very dynamic and we seek passionate people to work as part of our team. 

 


Interested in volunteering at Orana Wildlife Park? we are always on the look out for passionate people to join our volunteer programme, for more information visit our Volunteer page.




Our current positions available are below:

 

Animal Keeper Fixed Term Natives (Summer season)


Part Time Retail and Reception Assistant

Three positions available: 9am - 5pm Friday, 9am - 5pm Saturday and 9am - 5pm Sunday

 

 

Animal Keeper Fixed Term Natives (Summer season)

Set in 185 hectares, Orana Wildlife Park (Christchurch) is New Zealand’s only open range zoo. The Park is home to 1,000 animals representing over 90 different species. The focus of our collection is New Zealand native fauna, domestic animals and African savannah wildlife. Orana continues to work through our exciting development plan to ensure the Park continues to evolve into the future. Operated as a charitable trust, Orana fulfils an important role in managed zoo-based breeding programmes. We are proud to be involved in Department of Conservation breed-for-release recovery programmes for endangered NZ species including whio, pateke, orange-fronted kākāriki and kiwi.

 

We have a fantastic opportunity for a motivated person to join our dedicated NZ Fauna and Domestic animal team on a three month fixed-term basis to help us during our busy summer season. This position will involve caring for our rare and heritage animal breeds in the Farmyard, which is a much-loved part of Orana’s visitor experience. A large part of the position involves engaging with members of the public to deliver key advocacy messages and help inspire a love for animals.

 

We are seeking a highly driven, energetic person with a passion for animal care and public education seeking a fun, varied, physical job over the summer months.

 

The ideal applicant will possess the following skills and attributes:

  • Previous animal husbandry experience, particularly with domestic hoofstock and poultry.
  • Responsible mature attitude and team player.
  • Superb communication and customer service skills.
  • Knowledge and experience in pest control/trapping is highly desirable.
  • High level of physical fitness with good practical skills.
  • Interest in conservation and caring for NZ’s native and domestic fauna.

 

Duties will include:

  • Providing a high standard of daily care and welfare to a variety of domestic animals, including administering medications.
  • Daily behavioural observations, health checks and record keeping.
  • Implementing behavioural enrichment programmes.
  • Conducting fun and informative presentations to educate and engage visitors in experiences with our animals.
  • Pest control.
  • Supervising Farmyard volunteers.
  • Maintenance of enclosures and surrounding habitats.
 

As animals require care seven days a week, the position will be based on a roster system including weekends and public holidays. The successful applicant would be expected to work over the Christmas and New Year period. The working week for the position is yet to be determined and will involve working full time, i.e. 80 hours each fortnight which will include some weekend work. Hours are 8:30am to 5:00pm. Hourly pay will be in accordance with skills and experience.

 

If you wish to apply, you can download an application pack here: Animal Keeper Fixed Term Application Pack
Alternatively we invite you to request an application pack by calling us on 03 359 7109, or emailing info@oranawildlifepark.co.nz

Please complete our official application form included in the pack and return to us by 5pm, Monday 30th September 2024. We will review applications as they are received.

 

Part Time Retail and Reception Assistants 

Set in 185 hectares, Orana Wildlife Park (Christchurch) is New Zealand’s only open range zoo. In operation for nearly 50 years, the Park is operated by Orana Wildlife Trust, a registered charitable trust, committed to the conservation of wildlife.

 

Orana’s gift shop is situated in the main entrance building and stock lines include a wide range of plush toys, jewellery lines and gift items. We focus on products with recycled or renewably sourced materials and utilise local suppliers whenever possible. All revenue generated from the gift shop directly supports the operation of the Park, therefore high standards are required to maximise sales opportunities.

 

About the role:

 

Orana is looking for dedicated Retail and Reception Assistants to join our front-line team in a permanent part-time capacity, with the opportunity for additional casual work during school holidays and other busy periods. You will need to be a highly driven and energetic individual, able to show initiative, with a passion for retail and merchandising.

 

This is a diverse role responsible for providing a high level of customer service and ensuring that quality information is delivered to visitors on entry to the Park. Close liaison with other staff members will be essential to ensure that all front-line requirements are met.

 

Reporting to the Retail and Reception Manager, the main duties and responsibilities include:

 

  • Greeting visitors and running through the map and animal feed presentation schedules.
  • Promoting and selling admission tickets and animal encounter experiences.
  • Managing and developing our annual membership product.
  • Refreshing and merchandising the store.
  • Assisting with general enquiries and phone calls.

 

Due to the Park’s location, a suitable vehicle and driver licence is required as there is no public transport.

 

Skills and experience required:

 

  • Outstanding customer service and people skills with a sales orientated background.
  • Experience in merchandising to maximise sales.
  • Excellent communication skills and working with a wide range of people.
  • A team player with a “can do, will do” attitude who is able to lead by example.

 

Benefits of the position:

 

  • Free parking on site.
  • Rostered working days.
  • Generous staff discounts.
  • Uniform provided.
  • Unlimited visits to Orana in your spare time and lunch time walks at the zoo!

 

There are three separate vacancies available: one Friday vacancy, one Saturday vacancy and one Sunday vacancy each week.  Hours of work are 10:00am to 5:00pm. Please ensure you circle which position (day) you would prefer when completing the application pack.

If you wish to apply, you can download an application pack here: Reception and Retail Assistant

Alternatively we invite you to request an application pack by calling us on 03 359 7109, or emailing info@oranawildlifepark.co.nz

Please complete our official application form included in the pack and return to us by

 5pm, Monday 7th October 2024.

 Applications can be emailed to info@oranawildlifepark.co.nz or posted to: Retail and Reception Manager, Orana Wildlife Park, PO Box 5130, Christchurch 8542. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.