Senior Wildlife Aviculturist Keeper

Join Our Team as a Senior Wildlife Keeper – Making a Difference in Conservation 

Are you experienced in aviculture and passionate about wildlife conservation? Become a valued member of our leading team, where your expertise in avian husbandry will make a real and positive impact. We are searching for a proactive, knowledgeable, and collaborative professional to help advance our mission of promoting the highest standards in avian welfare, breeding, and environmental education. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and value innovation, well-being, and inclusivity, we encourage you to apply. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead and deliver expert avian husbandry, health monitoring, and enrichment programmes for our extensive bird collection, ensuring optimal welfare at all times. 
• Monitor breeding programmes, from courtship through to fledging, and support endangered species initiatives in alignment with our conservation goals. 
• Maintain high standards in aviary hygiene, biosecurity, and record keeping, fully compliant with industry regulations and organisational policies. 
• Mentor and provide knowledge-sharing & supporting other keepers, fostering continual professional development and a positive team culture. 
• Participate in research, data collection, reporting projects, and collaboration with partner organisations to advance aviculture best practices and species management.

Skills, Experience and Attributes 

• Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in aviculture, ideally in a zoo, sanctuary, or conservation setting with diverse avian species ideally Parakeets and Wetland bird species. 
• Strong working knowledge of avian biology, behavior, breeding, dietary requirements, welfare, and environmental enrichment techniques. 
• Confidence in leading and developing teams, with excellent mentoring, communication, and interpersonal skills. 
• Competence using animal management software and digital record systems, ideally ZIMS. 
• Practical, solutions-oriented attitude and ability to make clear decisions under pressure. 
• Committed to upholding a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace at all times. 
• Legal right to work in New Zealand is essential.

Full-time hours - Fortnightly roster - including working every second weekend

How to Apply - Closing Date 19th January 2025

If you are ready to advance your career and play a vital role in avian welfare and conservation, we warmly welcome your application. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace for all backgrounds. Our recruitment team will be back in on the 12 January 2026 to review and respond to applications.  

Eligibility & Next Steps - Applicants must hold the legal right to work in New Zealand. The successful candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment medical, including drug and alcohol screening.