As Orana approaches its 50^th year, we are reflective and determined to continue achieving our conservation goals. We are looking for team members to help us continue our mission to connect people with nature, and to educate and inspire our community towards creating a bright future for the next 50 years, and beyond.

 

Current Vacancies

• Senior Keeper - Exotics

• Head Veterinary Nurse

• Veterinary Nurse

 

 

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senior keeper - exotics 

~Ungulates, Carnivores or Primates~

• Full-time, permanent role, 40 hours per week, working 5 days on a set roster.
• 5+ years’ animal husbandry experience.
• Assist our team to provide care for a range of species.
• $60,000 - $62,000 per annum.
• Weekly Tool and Footwear Allowance.

 

He angitūtanga: The opportunity
Applications are open for a position as a Senior Animal Keeper, where you will help provide leadership to our keeping team across one or more of our Exotic Species sections (either Carnivore, Ungulates and/or Primates). The key duties of this role will involve bringing high standards of husbandry and daily care to meet the welfare needs of our animal collection, as well as training and supervising our animal keepers and work experience students. You will help guide and implement training programs, enrichment activities and husbandry practices that prioritises the health and well-being of our animals. Furthermore, the role will involve inspiring visitor experiences that encourage action for wildlife conservation and environmental protection.

 

He kōrero mōu: About you
You will need a minimum of 5 years' proven animal husbandry experience, working with a variety of exotic mammal species including carnivores, ungulates or primates. Preferably, the successful candidate will have demonstrated experience working alongside various ungulate species.

You will possess:
• A high level of energy and physical fitness is required to enable you to meet the daily challenges of the role.
• A proven ability to provide leadership and training to other keeping staff.
• Passion for animal care and welfare and a contributor to a positive work culture.
• A responsible, mature outlook with an ability to build quality internal relationships across all staff teams.
• Emotional intelligence to understand the challenges of day-to-day operations of zoo animals and people.
• A contributor towards open communication that extends to all areas of our organisation.
• Strong practical and problem-solving skills (e.g. fence repairs, working with tools and creative thinking).
• Demonstrated commitment to the conservation of species and ecosystems.
• Full driver's license and the ability to drive a manual vehicle.
• Recognised qualifications in Captive Animal Management and/or Zoology/Biology.
You will need to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the role nutrition plays in the welfare of zoo animals, and an understanding of the 5 domains of animal welfare.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
You will join an incredibly passionate team who are committed to their animals and the conservation efforts Orana plays in the wild.
This is a full-time, permanent position, working on a set 40 hours, 5 days per week roster including some weekends and public holidays. The rostered days of the positions are yet to be determined. The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $62,000 gross per annum.

As a member of our team we are able to offer you:
• A workplace dedicated to fostering positive team culture through our four core values: Care, Empathy, Engage and Courage.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including numerous helpful resources and webinars.
• Opportunities for involvement through staff forums such as our Health and Safety Committee and Culture Committee.
• Pathways for personal growth and development.
• A full uniform supplied plus a non-taxable allowance paid weekly to cover footwear and a basic tool kit.
• Annual flu vaccination.
• Ample free parking on site.

Ētahi atu kōrero: Extra information
• You must be a NZ/Australian citizen or hold/be eligible for, a NZ work visa to apply. We are willing to work with the right applicant to obtain a work visa if necessary.
• All successful applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
• Animal Keepers are required to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and have a current Tetanus booster.
• Reliable transport is required to get you to the Park.

If you are adaptable, open-minded, with a desire to push yourself to benefit conservation and animal welfare, APPLY NOW through our website link. Please include a letter of introduction with your CV.
Applications close on Sunday 22nd February 2026, 5pm.

 

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head Veterinary Nurse

• Permanent, full-time position, 40 hours per week.
• Tuesday – Saturday, or Sunday – Thursday roster (two nursing staff will each cover one weekend day as part of
  their team roster to ensure seven day a week cover).
• $68,000-$80,000 per annum.
  
  

He angitūtanga: The opportunity
We are seeking a passionate, pragmatic and experienced Head Veterinary Nurse to lead the direction, development and delivery of our newly forming veterinary nursing team. This is a leadership role for someone who leads by example and isn’t afraid to get stuck in alongside their team.

This role will manage a small team of veterinary nurse staff and work collaboratively across departments to ensure alignment with Orana’s conservation goals and strategic direction. It is the perfect opportunity for someone who is practical, collaborative, solutions-focused, and committed to doing what it takes to get the job done, whether that’s hands-on animal care or supporting wider team operations.

This position will:
• Lead and motivate the veterinary nursing team, managing rosters and performance.
• Assist veterinarians with routine, emergency, and surgical procedures.
• Administer medications, monitor anaesthesia, and maintain accurate medical records.
• Oversee hospital and quarantine care for animals.
• Manage veterinary supplies, equipment maintenance, and drug inventory.
• Conduct routine health checks, welfare assessments, and support biosecurity protocols.
• Perform diagnostic testing, sample collection, and assist with post-mortems.
• Support capture, restraint, and transport of animals using low-stress techniques.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Engage in professional development and contribute to research and conservation initiatives.

He kōrero mōu: About you
You are a pragmatic, communicative, hard-working, empathetic individual keen for the opportunity to help Orana Wildlife Park build its onsite veterinary care capability. You thrive in a practical, hands-on environment and are ready to roll up your sleeves to help establish and grow our veterinary nursing team from the ground up. This is not a role for those who shy away from hard work or dynamic challenges—adaptability and resilience are essential.
You are a fun and confident leader, with a strong commitment to and background in veterinary nursing and care. You will bring creativity, strategic thinking and a collaborative, growth mindset to your work.

You will have:
• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or equivalent).
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in a veterinary nursing role (zoo, wildlife, or exotic species experience preferred).
• Full drivers licence
• Experience working with wildlife, exotic species, or large animal care
• Familiarity with biosecurity protocols, health and safety regulations, and veterinary compliance standards.
• Strong leadership capability with experience managing staff.
• Experience aligning own and direct reports’ working practice to organisational strategic plans and budgets.
• Strong technical veterinary nursing skills, including diagnostic testing, surgical assistance, and wound care.
• Ability to handle and restrain a variety of species, ensuring animal and staff safety.
• Excellent record-keeping and data management for medical histories, drug use, and veterinary procedures.
• Strong communication skills, with the commitment and ability to educate and train animal care staff.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills, particularly in dynamic and unpredictable zoo environments.
• Willingness and ability to work in all weather conditions, handle physically demanding tasks, and assist across departments when needed.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
You will join an incredibly passionate team who are committed to their animals and the Trust’s conservation goals.
This is a full-time, permanent position, working 40 hours per week. The working roster will be either Tuesday – Saturday, or Sunday – Thursday as the two nursing staff we are recruiting for will each cover one weekend day as part of their team roster to ensure we have seven day a week cover.

As a member of our team, we are able to offer you:

• A workplace dedicated to fostering positive team culture through our four core values: Care, Empathy, Engage and Courage.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including numerous helpful resources and webinars.
• Opportunities for involvement through staff forums such as our Health and Safety Committee and Culture Committee.
• Pathways for personal growth and development.
• A full uniform supplied plus a non-taxable allowance paid weekly to cover footwear and a basic tool kit.
• Annual flu vaccination.
• Ample free parking on site.

If you are adaptable and open-minded, with experience in leadership and a desire to push yourself to benefit conservation and animal welfare, APPLY NOW!

Get in quick, as applications will be reviewed and interviews for successful applicants planned as they are received.

Applications for this position close on Sunday 25th January 2026, 5pm.

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He angitūtanga: The opportunity
We are seeking a passionate, pragmatic, and experienced Veterinary Nurse to join our newly forming veterinary nursing team at Orana Wildlife Park. This is a hands-on role for someone who is adaptable, collaborative, and ready to roll up their sleeves to help us build something special from the ground up.

The role will work closely with our Head Veterinary Nurse and wider animal care team to deliver exceptional veterinary support for our diverse collection of wildlife. This is the perfect opportunity for someone who thrives in a practical environment, enjoys variety, and is committed to animal welfare and conservation.

This position will:
• Assist veterinarians and the Head Veterinary Nurse with routine, emergency, and surgical procedures.
• Administer medications, monitor anaesthesia, and maintain accurate medical records.
• Provide hospital and quarantine care for animals.
• Manage veterinary supplies and assist with equipment maintenance.
• Conduct routine health checks, welfare assessments, and support biosecurity protocols.
• Perform diagnostic testing, sample collection, and assist with post-mortems.
• Support capture, restraint, and transport of animals using low-stress techniques.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and contribute to conservation initiatives.

He kōrero mōu: About you
You are a pragmatic, communicative, and hard-working individual who thrives in a practical, hands-on environment. You’re ready to roll up your sleeves and contribute to building Orana Wildlife Park’s onsite veterinary care capability from the ground up. This role is for someone who embraces variety, adapts quickly to dynamic challenges, and is committed to animal welfare and conservation.

You are collaborative and solutions-focused, with a strong background in veterinary nursing and care. You bring technical skill, a positive attitude, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed to support the team and wider operations.

You will have:
• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or equivalent).
• Minimum 2+ years of experience in a veterinary nursing role (zoo, wildlife, or exotic species experience preferred).
• Full driver’s licence.
• Experience working with wildlife, exotic species, or large animal care is highly desirable.
• Experience with anaesthesia monitoring, diagnostics, and emergency response.
• Familiarity with biosecurity protocols, health and safety regulations, and veterinary compliance standards.
• Proven ability to work confidently and independently, including when senior veterinary staff are not onsite.
• Strong technical veterinary nursing skills, including diagnostic testing, surgical assistance, and wound care.
• Ability to handle and restrain a variety of species, ensuring animal and staff safety.
• Excellent record-keeping and data management for medical histories, drug use, and veterinary procedures.
• Strong communication skills, with the commitment and ability to educate and support animal care staff.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills, particularly in dynamic and unpredictable zoo environments.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
You will join an incredibly passionate team who are committed to their animals and the Trust’s conservation goals.

This is a full-time, permanent position, working 40 hours per week. The working roster will be either Tuesday – Saturday, or Sunday – Thursday as the two nursing staff we are recruiting for will each cover one weekend day as part of their team roster to ensure we have seven day a week cover.

As a member of our team, we are able to offer you:
• A workplace dedicated to fostering positive team culture through our four core values: Care, Empathy, Engage and Courage.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including numerous helpful resources and webinars.
• Opportunities for involvement through staff forums such as our Health and Safety Committee and Culture Committee.
• Pathways for personal growth and development.
• A full uniform supplied plus a non-taxable allowance paid weekly to cover footwear and a basic tool kit.
• Annual flu vaccination.
• Ample free parking on site.

If you are adaptable and open-minded, with experience in leadership and a desire to push yourself to benefit conservation and animal welfare, APPLY NOW! Get in quick, as applications will be reviewed and interviews for successful applicants planned as they are received.

Applications for this position close on Sunday 25th January 2026, 5pm.

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