Lead Ectotherm Care & Conservation Team

Tataki Auckland Unlimited; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Auckland Zoo's Tataki Auckland Unlimited is seeking a Team Leader for the Ectotherms section to drive animal care, habitat design and conservation outcomes. You will lead people, animals and facilities, shaping exhibition planning and field initiatives in collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

You will bring extensive animal management knowledge, strong leadership, and a solution‑focused approach to manage a busy, high‑performing team and complex budgets.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in biological/conservation sciences or equivalent.
• Minimum eight (8) years' experience within a Zoo or related industry.
• Minimum five (5) years' experience with the husbandry and welfare of a range of relevant species.
• Proven line management experience including recruitment and staff development.
• Ability to lead, organise and motivate a large team toward shared goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and support the ectotherms team, fostering a positive, inclusive and high‑performing environment.
• Oversee standards of animal care, habitat design and maintenance and species planning.
• Collaborate on innovative exhibit planning, visitor experiences and conservation advocacy.
• Build specialist expertise within the team and develop field conservation opportunities.
• Manage section rostering, budgets, records, reporting, training and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Team leadership

Animal husbandry

Habitat design

Budgeting & rostering

Staff development & recruitment

Written & public communication

Education

Biological/conservation sciences degree

Certificate in Zookeeping

Tools

Microsoft Office

Zoo animal-records software

Job description

Auckland Zoo's Tataki Auckland Unlimited is seeking a Team Leader for the Ectotherms section to drive animal care, habitat design and conservation outcomes. You will lead people, animals and facilities, shaping exhibition planning and field initiatives in collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

You will bring extensive animal management knowledge, strong leadership, and a solution‑focused approach to manage a busy, high‑performing team and complex budgets.