Get involved
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
Retail & Admissions Senior- Part Time
• Permanent Part Time position on Friday & Saturday, 9am – 5pm (16 hours per week)
• Lead our front-of-house team in one of Ōtautahi’s most unique workplaces
• Up to $28 per hour - note this role has key holding responsibilities
• Additional shifts available during school holidays, public holidays and the summer season
He angitūtanga: The opportunity
Imagine spending your day greeting our visitors with a warm welcome and help to provide amazing experiences from the moment they arrive to when they leave the park.
Orana Wildlife Park is looking for a proactive, customer-focused leader to join our team as a Retail & Admissions Senior. This is more than a retail role. As a key holder and duty manager, you will play an important part in leading our front-of-house operations, supporting team members and ensuring our excellent customer service standards are met.
Your responsibilities will include:
• Overseeing admissions and assisting with animal encounter bookings.
• Support the retail operations in our gift shop with your eye for detail and passion for retail display.
• Respond to customer enquiries by phone or email.
• Assist daily operations by ensuring consistent and clear communication between front-of-house and the wider zoo team.
• Maintain a welcoming and professional environment for our visitors and team members.
Every day offers something different bringing you opportunities to engage with visitors from around New Zealand and the world, all while contributing to Orana's mission of connecting people with nature.
What’s in it for you?
• We will provide full training.
• A fun and supportive team environment.
• An opportunity to experience our close encounters.
He kōrero mōu: About you
This is a part-time role, perfect for someone who enjoys leading by example and takes pride in delivering exceptional customer experiences.
You thrive in busy environments, remain calm under pressure and enjoy supporting both visitors and colleagues. You're organised, dependable and confident in making decisions.
You'll be a great fit if you:
• Enjoy working with people and creating positive experiences;
• Have previous customer service, retail or hospitality experience;
• Are confident taking responsibility and leading a team when required;
• Can communicate clearly and professionally;
• Are adaptable (as priorities change throughout the day);
• Happy to take initiative and enjoy solving problems; and
• Share in our commitment to conservation, education and community engagement.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
You will join a passionate team who are committed to their animals and the Trust’s conservation goals.
• Work somewhere truly unique where giraffes, rhinos, lions meerkats and emu are part of the scenery.
• An opportunity to develop leadership and duty management skills.
• A positive workplace culture built around our values of Care, Empathy, Engage and Courage.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing resources.
• Opportunities to contribute through staff committees and workplace initiatives.
• Annual flu vaccination.
• Free on-site parking.
If you're passionate about customer service, enjoy leading others and adaptable, APPLY NOW through one of our advertised platforms. Please include a letter of introduction and CV highlighting the relevant skills and experience you can offer to this role.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and will close on Sunday 30th August 2026, 5pm.
RETAIL & ADMISSIONS/PARTY HOST - CASUAL
- Applications are open for Casual positions.
- Assist us in welcoming our visitors.
- $25 per hour.
He angitūtanga: The opportunity
Work Somewhere Wild
Imagine spending your day welcoming our visitors, hosting children's birthday parties, meeting incredible animals and helping families create core memories.Orana Wildlife Park is looking for enthusiastic, reliable and fun people to join our Retail & Admissions team on a casual basis. You'll help provide amazing experiences for our visitors from the moment they arrive to when they leave the park.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Welcoming visitors and assist with admissions.
- Provide outstanding customer service in our gift shop.
- Answer visitor enquiries by phone or email and assist with encounter bookings.
- Host children's birthday parties and help create memorable celebrations.
- Booking in animal encounter experiences, school groups and special events.
- Help maintain a welcoming and professional front-of-house environment.
This isn't your average retail job. One day you could be helping guests book unforgettable animal encounters, the next you might be hosting a birthday party or serving customers in the gift shop. Every shift brings something different.
What's in it for you?
- We’ll provide full training;
- a fun, supportive team environment;
- an opportunity to experience our close encounters with lemurs, meerkats, giraffes and mini cows;
- develop your skills in customer service, retail display, event hosting and communication;
- flexible casual work in one of Christchurch's most unique workplaces.
He kōrero mōu: About you
This is a casual role, perfect for someone who craves flexibility and variety.
Weekend availability is essential (on either a Saturday or a Sunday), with opportunities for additional rostered shifts during the school holidays, public holidays and other busy periods throughout the year. These times are typically when the park comes alive, during which there will be plenty of opportunities for shifts to work.
If you:
- love working with people;
- bring positive energy and enthusiasm to every shift;
- have a strong work ethic and can-do attitude;
- are reliable, punctual, and willing to learn;
- enjoy working in changeable environments;
- aren't afraid to jump in and help wherever needed; and
- want to be part of something bigger than just a job…
APPLY NOW!
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.
- Work somewhere truly unique, where giraffes, rhinos, lions, meerkats and emu are part of the scenery.
- Work with a friendly team that loves what they do.
- Flexible shifts with extra opportunities during school holidays and busy periods.
- Join an organisation dedicated to conservation, education, and connecting people with nature.
- Spend your workday in one of Christchurch's most unique and exciting attractions.
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 will be reviewed as they are received, and will close on Sunday 30th August 2026, 5pm.