Senior Keeper – Ōtorohanga Kiwi House Charitable Trust – Ōtorohanga

Are you passionate about conservation and native species? Come and join NZ’s most iconic native species wildlife park.

The Ōtorohanga Kiwi House is looking for a Senior Keeper to join our fantastic Wildlife team to help deliver best practice in animal welfare, husbandry, training, and advocacy. This will enable the Kiwi House to deliver ‘NZ’s most personal wildlife experience’. We have been conserving kiwi and other NZ natives since 1971 and hold over 300 animals in our permanent collection.

This role is to assist the Wildlife Manager with the day-to-day running of the park and training of keepers, volunteers, and interns. This role is also key to implementing a high standard for Health & Safety and following the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House Health & Safety Policy and Procedures requirements. The role will include rostered weekend work. A Senior Keeper is defined as having led a breeding programme for a minimum of 3 years. NZ/Australian residency, or a valid NZ Open Work Visa. Our positions are not eligible to sponsor Visas.

Key responsibilities:

• Responsible for daily husbandry of a variety of species
• Remain up to date with appropriate legislation
• Supervising the Keeper team
• Create a positive working environment
• Provide direction, coaching and leading by example
• Provide technical support regarding species
• Assist with Keeper reviews & development
• Facilitate Keeper training
• Reinforce the vision, goals and values of Ōtorohanga Kiwi House
• Participate in creating a strong health and safety culture
• Assist in responding to NZ native animal emergencies

Your skills and experience:

• Proven experience in a leadership role
• Ability to provide clear instructions
• At least 3 years experience leading a captive breeding program
• Conservation experience
• Interest and a willingness to learn
• Strong organisational skills
• Aptitude for creative problem-solving and ‘can-do’ attitude
• Effective communication skills
• Willingness to perform close encounters and keeper talks
• Ability to handle demanding workloads and navigate conflicting priorities
• Excellent skills in both written and spoken English
• Clean and current NZ Drivers License
• Physical fitness

Please email Cherie Kerrison cherie.kerrison@outlook.co.nz and attach your CV and at least two referees.

What you must have to apply:

• NZ/Australian residency, or a valid NZ Open Work Visa. Our positions are not eligible to sponsor Visas.

Closing date: When suitable applicant is found