Senior Keeper - Exotics
Posted on Jan. 22, 2026 by Orana Wildlife Park
- Christchurch, New Zealand
- N/A
- Full Time
~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:
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:
Ētahi atu kōrero: Extra information
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.
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.
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.
Advertised until:
Feb. 21, 2026
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