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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
- Team Leader - Exotics
- Senior Keeper - Exotics
- Retail & Admission Assistant - Sunday
- Retail & Admissions Senior - Friday & Saturday
Education and Engagement Manager
He angitūtanga: The opportunity
We are seeking a passionate, pragmatic and experienced Education & Engagement Manager to lead the direction, development and delivery of our conservation, education and visitor engagement programmes. This is a key leadership role responsible for creating fun, informative and meaningful experiences for diverse audiences that advocate for wildlife, nature and the species in our care.
You will manage a team of educators, casual staff, volunteer coordinators and volunteers, and work collaboratively across departments to ensure alignment with Orana’s conservation goals and strategic direction. This role is pivotal in shaping how Orana Wildlife Park communicates its mission and engages the public.
This position will:
• Lead the development and implementation of all education programmes and public engagement activities.
• Manage staff and volunteers within the Education & Engagement Team.
• Develop strategic partnerships with schools, community organisations, conservation stakeholders and more.
• Oversee interpretation planning, visitor talks, special tours, and events.
• Evaluate programme effectiveness and ensure alignment with global best practices (e.g. WAZA, NZ Curriculum).
• Champion the integration of Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori into education and engagement activities.
• Contribute to Orana’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and broader strategic planning.
He kōrero mōu: About you
You are a communicative, empathetic, fun and confident leader, and educator with a strong background in conservation, education, and/or visitor engagement. You will bring creativity, strategic thinking and a collaborative, growth mindset to your work.
You will have:
• A teaching qualification and/or a degree in Education, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years’ experience in education programme development and delivery, preferably including the zoo and aquarium industry or cultural/heritage sector.
• 5+ years’ experience in team leadership and staff management.
• Strong understanding of conservation issues, educational pedagogy and audience engagement.
• Excellent communication, planning and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with programme evaluation and digital tools (e.g. Canva, SurveyMonkey).
• A working understanding of Te Reo and Tikanga Māori.
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 primarily be Monday to Friday but may include weekends and public holidays as part of a SLT duty roster supporting the wider team.
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! Please ensure you include a letter of introduction and CV, including the 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 2nd November, 5pm.
Team Leader - Exotics
Three positions available
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3x Permanent, Full-Time positions to help lead our Exotics animal team.
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Assist our team to provide care for a range of species.
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$70,000 per annum.
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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.
Senior Keeper - Exotics
- Applications are open for multiple permanent, full time keeping opportunities.
- 5+ years’ animal husbandry experience.
- Provide care for a range of species.
- Full time permanent roles, 40 hours per week, working 5 days on a set roster (TBC).
- $60,000 to $62,000 per annum.
- Weekly Tool and Footwear Allowance.
He angitūtanga: The opportunity
We have multiple openings for a position as a Senior Animal Keeper. In this role, 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' animal husbandry experience working with a variety of mammals, including ungulates, carnivores and primates.
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.
These are full-time, permanent positions, 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 and open-minded, with a desire to push yourself to benefit conservation and animal welfare, APPLY NOW! Please ensure you include a letter of introduction alongside your CV.
Applications for this position close on Sunday 26th October 2025, 5pm.
Retail & Admission Assistant - Sunday
- Applications are open for a permanent, Saturday 10am – 5pm position.
- Additional shifts available during busy trading periods.
- $25 per hour
He angitūtanga: The opportunity
We are searching for a key person to fill a front-line Retail & Admissions position at Orana Wildlife Park. This position is vital in creating a welcoming, engaging and efficient first impression for our visitors. As part of our commercial operations and visitor services team, you will be responsible for admissions, booking encounters, customer enquiries, retail sales and the general upkeep of front of house. Your focus will be on providing excellent customer service, promoting visitor experiences and ensuring that the reception and retail areas reflect the high standards our visitors have come to expect.
He kōrero mōu: About you
You are a confident and customer-focused individual who thrives in a busy, people-oriented environment. You are detail-oriented, reliable, and take pride in your work. You are comfortable working independently or as part of a team and can adapt to a variety of tasks throughout the day.
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 part-time, permanent position, working 6.5 hours every Saturday. Additional hours will be available during NZ school holidays 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 Team.
- Pathways for personal growth and development.
- Annual flu vaccination.
- Ample free parking on site.
If you are adaptable and open-minded with a desire to deliver outstanding customer service, APPLY NOW through one of our advertised platforms. Please send us a letter of introduction and CV highlighting the relevant skills and experience you can offer to this role.
Applications for this position close on Sunday 19th October 2025, 5pm.
Retail & Admissions Senior - Friday & Saturday
- Applications are open for a permanent Friday & Saturday, 9am – 5pm position.
- Additional shifts available during busy trading periods.
- Up to $28 per hour. (Please note this role has key holding responsibilities).
He angitūtanga: The opportunity
We are searching for a key proactive person to fill a front-line Retail & Admissions Senior position at Orana Wildlife Park. This position carries key holder responsibility, and is vital in creating a welcoming, engaging and efficient first impression for our visitors. As part of our commercial operations and visitor services team, you will be trained to act as duty manager when required, with responsibility for running our admissions team, booking encounters, customer enquiries, retail sales and maintain the general upkeep of front of house. Your focus will be on delivering a high standard of customer service, contribute towards promoting positive visitor experiences and ensuring there is clear communication between the front-of-house and the wider zoo.
He kōrero mōu: About you
You are a calm, confident and customer-focused individual who thrives in a busy, people-oriented environment. You are detail-oriented, reliable, and take pride in your work. You are comfortable working independently or as part of a team and can adapt to a variety of tasks throughout the day.
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 part-time, permanent position, working 16 hours every week on Friday and Saturday. Additional hours will be available during NZ school holidays 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 Team.
- Pathways for personal growth and development.
- Annual flu vaccination.
- Ample free parking on site.
If you are adaptable and open-minded with a desire to deliver outstanding customer service, APPLY NOW through one of our advertised platforms. Please send us a letter of introduction and CV highlighting the relevant skills and experience you can offer to this role.
Applications for this position close on Sunday 19th October 2025, 5pm.