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.

 

As Orana approaches its 50th 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

 


 

Board Member - Finance

For information on this position please visit our Board Vacancies page.

 



Animal Keeper


  • Permanent, full-time opportunities.
  • Provide care for a range of species.
  • $50,000 to $55,000 per annum.
  • Weekly Tool and Footwear Allowance.
 

As Orana approaches its 50th 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.

Mō mātou: About Us

Orana is owned and operated by Orana Wildlife Trust, a registered charitable trust and not-for-profit organisation. Conservation is a core part of our mission and the key reason Orana exists. Our on-site habitat restoration and predator pest control programmes provide a connecting wildlife corridor and safe haven for some of Canterbury’s most threatened species.

Orana Wildlife Park participates in many zoo-based breeding programmes in partnership with the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA), the Zoo & Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA), DOC and others. We are committed to continuing our efforts towards these breeding programmes into the future.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

As an Animal Keeper, you will provide a high standard of husbandry and daily care by meeting the various welfare needs of our animal collection. You will assist in developing and participating in various training and enrichment programmes and deliver exciting visitor experiences and take-home messages to inspire positive action for wildlife and our environment.

He kōrero mōu: About you

You will need a minimum of 2 years' experience with animal care in a zoo or similar setting. As this position will be working with either our exotic or native species, past experience can include mammalian, domestic, bird or reptilian species.

You will also have:

  • Excellent communication skills. A track record of innovative husbandry including the development of training and enrichment programmes.
  • 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 will be an advantage.
  • You will need to show a thorough understanding of the role nutrition plays in the welfare of zoo animals, and an understanding of the 5 domains of animal welfare.
  • A high level of energy and physical fitness is required to ensure you meet the daily challenges of the role.

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 on a set weekly roster that may include weekends and public holidays.

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: CareEmpathyEngage 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 a desire to push yourself to benefit conservation and animal welfare, APPLY NOW! Please email us with a letter of introduction and CV detailing your skills/experience relevant to the role and an outline of the species you have worked with to info@oranawildlifepark.co.nz. Get in quick as applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Applications for this position close on Sunday 28th September, 5pm.

 



Team Leader - Exotics

Three positions available

  • 3x Permanent, Full-Time positions to help lead our Exotics animal team.

  • Assist our team to provide care for a range of species.

  • $70,000 per annum.

  • Weekly Tool and Footwear Allowance.

 

He angitūtanga: The opportunity
As a Team Leader, you will provide vital support to the Exotics management team by ensuring your Ungulates, Carnivores or Primates section is appropriately cared for and maintained. This includes the responsibility of leading our animal team in promoting high standards of husbandry and care, management of a number of direct staff reports, and successfully meeting the various welfare needs of our animal collection.

You will provide guidance and support to the keeping team to ensure any professional development goals are achieved, and that these work towards the wider objectives of the team. Your success in this role will be in your ability to maintain a balanced environment to help support the team whilst also providing continued care to our animal collection. This role will help guide the development and implementation of training programs, enrichment activities and husbandry practices that prioritise the health and well-being of our animals. You will also contribute to creating inspiring visitor experiences and take-home messages to inspire positive action for wildlife and our environment.

He kōrero mōu: About you
You will need at least 6 – 10 years’ experience with animal care in a zoo or similar setting and at least 2-5 years of leadership experience. You must be highly motivated and able to nourish a growth mind set with the team.


You will also have:
• A high level of motivation with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills that include staff training, mentoring and conflict resolution.
• Emotional intelligence to understand the challenges of day-to-day operations of zoo animals and people.
• An ability to manage the daily management of sections whilst being aware of wider strategic objectives.
• Expertise in developing and implementing innovative husbandry practices and training and enrichment programmes that prioritises animal welfare.
• Comprehensive knowledge animal nutrition, welfare and the Five Domains of Animal Welfare to help ensure all animal receive exceptional care.
• 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, zoology, biology, or a related field.

  • A high level of energy and physical fitness is required to ensure you meet the daily challenges of the role.

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.
These are full-time, permanent positions, working 40 hours per week on a set roster that may include weekends and public holidays.

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! Email info@oranawildlifepark.co.nz with a letter of introduction and CV, with an outline of the species you have worked with and what relevant skills and experience you can offer to this role. Get in quick as applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Applications for this position close on Sunday 12th October, 5pm.




Maintenance Handy Person

  • Full-Time, 3-month Fixed Term opportunity.
  • Assist our team in the care and maintenance of the Park.
  • Weekly Tool and Footwear Allowance.
  • Monday – Friday roster.
 

He angitūtanga: The opportunity As a Maintenance Handy Person, you will help contribute the day-to-day maintenance requirements of our Park operations. This can include general maintenance of the visitor area grounds, basic plumbing repairs and other general repair work. The role is fixed term to offer additional assistance to our team and ensure sufficient cover is provided in the busy Spring/Summer months. Your contribution will help Orana deliver enjoyable and rewarding experiences for our visitors.
He kōrero mōu: About you Ideally, you will have confidence and general skills across a wide range of areas including building, carpentry and general groundskeeping.


You will also have:
• Excellent communication and customer skills.
• A responsible, mature outlook and team player.
• Understanding of and commitment to site health and safety requirements.
• Full driver's license and able to drive a manual vehicle.
• A “can do”, positive attitude and willing to take on a wide range of duties in a hard working team.
• Able to work unsupervised and efficiently as required.
• A trade qualification, or an understanding of NZ construction methods is considered an advantage.


A high level of energy and physical fitness is required to ensure you meet the daily challenges of the role.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer You will join a passionate team who are committed to our Park animals and the Trust’s conservation, education and visitor experience goals.
This is a fixed term, full-time position working a set 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday (inclusive) roster that may include additional weekend and public holiday cover as needed.


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 & 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.
• Ample free parking on site.


If you are adaptable and open-minded, with a desire to help benefit conservation and animal welfare, APPLY NOW! Provide us with a letter of Introduction and CV detailing your skills/experience relevant to the role, email info@oranawildlifepark.co.nz. Get in quick as applications will be reviewed as they are received.


Applications for this position close on Sunday 28th September, 5pm.