Casual Veterinary Program Assistant - Hamilton Zoo

Hamilton City Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton City Council is seeking an individual to support the Hamilton Zoo's animal nutrition and veterinary program. The role includes assisting with animal care, supply management, and adhering to health and safety protocols, offering a rewarding opportunity in a nature-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Full NZ drivers’ license required.
• Good standard of fitness necessary.
• Understanding of zoo industry and captive animal management.

Responsibilities

• Assist with nutritional supplies and animal care tasks.
• Ensure compliance with operational procedures.
• Maintain thorough and timely record keeping.

Skills

Animal husbandry experience

Excellent time management

Interpersonal and communication skills

Basic computer use

Job description

Company Description

Set in over 90 hectares of lush and tranquil surroundings, the Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct is home to the Hamilton Zoo and Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park. These well-loved community assets play an important part in connecting people with nature and conservation activities and providing fun experiences that inform and educate visitors.

Job Description

He angituutanga: The opportunity

Reporting to the Head Nurse – Veterinary Program, you will assist the teams responsible for the effective day-to-day operation of the Hamilton Zoo animal nutrition centre and veterinary clinic and wider Te Kaaroro precinct duties as required.

• Assist the Nutrition Centre Specialist to coordinate, monitor, source, prepare and order nutritional supplies for the animal department.
• Assist the Head Nurse - Veterinary Program to ensure the delivery of high-quality animal care through hospital husbandry, and biosecurity for imports/exports.
• Operating procedures (e.g. diets, minimum husbandry standards) and work instructions are carried out to a satisfactory standard, as directed by the team leader.
• Written record keeping is thorough and timely.
• Issues and concerns are identified and raised to the Head Nurse - Veterinary Program in a timely manner.
• Adhere to Health and Safety policies and procedures, enabling a safe and healthy work environment for all workers and members of the public.
  
  

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Full NZ drivers’ license.
• Good standard of fitness.
• Animal husbandry experience.
• Understanding of the zoo industry, its philosophies and captive animal management practices.
• Excellent time management; able to work consistently to schedules.
• Competent in basic computer use.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders (internal and external).
• Self-awareness that mindset is the foundation of performance and an ability to develop self and others in this regard.
  
  

Additional Information

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now!

• View the Position Description
• Click apply
• Complete your application.
  
  

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 27/07/2025

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. This role is Safety Sensitive so a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol test will be required. View more information about these checks and our commitment to the Privacy act here by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.