Pound Keeper

Waikato District Council; Ngaruawahia; On-site; NZD 54,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Annual performance and remuneration<br

Subsidised health insurance

Birthday leave

Work-life balance day (every 6 months)

Employee assistance program

Free health checks and training

Boost program with NZ retailers

Job summary

Waikato District Council seeks an experienced Pound Keeper to join the Animal Control team. This role combines hands-on animal care with customer service and administrative responsibilities, contributing to animal health, wellbeing, and community safety.

You'll work closely with Animal Control Officers to provide professional service, maintain kennels, and support the wider Council in a collaborative environment. A calm, reliable approach is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Experience as kennel attendant, vet nurse, animal handler, or similar.
• Confidence handling dogs and other animals.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Good administration and computer skills.
• Ability to remain calm in challenging or emotional situations.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• A current full driver’s licence.
• Positive, team‑focused attitude.

Responsibilities

• Feeding, exercising, and monitoring impounded animals daily.
• Observing and reporting any health or behavioural concerns.
• Ensuring welfare of animals in accordance with legislation.
• Working with veterinary providers when required.
• Maintaining clean kennels and pound facilities.
• Undertaking daily cleaning and sanitation activities.
• Monitoring facilities and identifying maintenance or safety issues.
• Assisting customers with enquiries professionally.
• Supporting Animal Control with administrative tasks.
• Maintaining accurate records within Council systems.
• Communicating effectively with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders.
• Contributing to continuous improvement to enhance customer experience.

Skills

Kennel experience

Dog handling

Customer service

Admin skills

Calm under pressure

Attention to detail

Full driver’s licence

Team player

Job description

Te Kaunihera aa Takiwaa o Waikato (Waikato District Council) serves the Waikato District which covers more than 400,000 hectares (418.893ha). It borders Hamilton City from the north, east and west. There are 2,422 kilometres of roads which you can travel throughout the district.

Our dog pound is based in Ngaaruawaahia, just 10 minutes North of Hamilton, so with no traffic or parking issues, your journey to and from work is stress free.

About this role

Make a difference in the lives of animals and your community.

Do you enjoy working with animals, helping people, and taking pride in maintaining high standards of care?

We are looking for an experienced, reliable, and motivated Pound Keeper to join our Animal Control team. This is a rewarding opportunity where every day is different, and your work directly contributes to the health, wellbeing, and safety of animals in our care while providing valuable support to the wider community.

As part of a supportive and dedicated team, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring impounded animals receive excellent care while also supporting the Animal Control team through customer service and administrative responsibilities. Approximately one-third of this role focuses on administrative and customer support duties, making it perfect for someone who enjoys a balance of hands‑on animal care and office‑based work.

As our Pound Keeper, you’ll be responsible for maintaining a safe, clean, and hygienic environment for animals while ensuring their daily health and wellbeing needs are met.

You’ll work closely with Animal Control Officers and the wider Council team, helping to provide professional service to both internal and external customers.

What will I do

• Feeding, exercising, and monitoring impounded animals daily
• Observing and reporting any health or behavioural concerns
• Ensuring the welfare of animals is maintained in accordance with relevant legislation
• Working alongside veterinary providers when required
• Maintaining clean, hygienic kennels and pound facilities
• Undertaking daily cleaning and sanitation activities
• Monitoring facilities and identifying maintenance or safety issues
• Ensuring a safe environment for animals, staff, and visitors
• Assisting customers with enquiries in a professional and respectful manner
• Supporting the Animal Control team with administrative tasks
• Maintaining accurate records and information within Council systems
• Communicating effectively with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders
• Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance customer experience

What will I bring

We’re seeking someone who genuinely cares about animal welfare and brings a calm, professional approach to their work.

• Experience as a kennel attendant, vet nurse, animal handler, or similar
• Confidence handling dogs and other animals
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Good administration and computer skills
• The ability to remain calm in challenging or emotional situations
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• A current full driver’s licence
• A positive, team‑focused attitude

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who enjoys contributing to a collaborative team environment and takes pride in delivering exceptional service.

Why join our team

You’ll join a close‑knit and supportive Animal Control team that works together to achieve the best outcomes for animals and the community. Your contributions will be valued, and you’ll be supported to succeed from day one.

This is not a desk‑bound role. You’ll enjoy a dynamic mix of hands‑on animal care, facility management, customer service, and administration, ensuring no two days are the same.

You’ll have access to ongoing learning and development opportunities, exposure to the broader Animal Control function, and the chance to build a long‑term career within the Animal Control team.

Additional Information

Salary circa $63K dependent on skills and experience.

Waikato District Council offers a range of benefits to employees:

• Free parking
• Annual performance and remuneration reviews
• Subsidised health insurance
• Birthday leave
• One work life balance day for every 6 months (after 12 months)
• Employee assistance program
• Free health checks, training and education during our annual Work Safe Home Safe event
• Boost program for discounts and special offers at New Zealand retailers and service providers

Please note we will be screening applications as they come through.

We have a strong safety culture and as part of this our preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre‑employment medical assessment which includes alcohol and drug testing.

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.

Application closing date: Tuesday, 22nd of September 2026 at 12:00am.