Animal Care Team Leader (Mammals)
Mō mātou: About us:
At Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo we are guided by our kaupapa “Me tiaki, kia ora!” We care about making connections between animals, people, and our environment. We lead the way through connecting people with animals, saving animals in the wild and ensuring we’re a voice to be heard. We’ve been an integral part of Wellington for 120 years and are proud to be a progressive, positive, animal welfare-accredited zoo. Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo is committed to accepting, valuing, and embracing the diversity of all people
Mō te tūranga: About the role:
An internal promotion has provided an opportunity in our Wildlife Conservation Directorate for a new Team Leader in our Animal Care Mammals team.
In this role, you’ll be responsible for all aspects of animal well-being for the section, a mix of carnivores and herbivores, as well as line-management leadership and support for the Keepers on your team. You’ll have an Assistant Team Leader to help you out, along with a dedicated team.
Our team leader roles play a pivotal part in ensuring the Zoo remains at the forefront, providing positive experiences for our animals, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
We are dedicated to giving our animals a really good life. Animals are treated with dignity and respect, and we continually assess animal welfare and adapt our practices accordingly.
Note: this role works on a rotating roster (Monday to Sunday), with no more than 5 days in a row, and includes working on public holidays. The working day is 9 hours from 7:30am – 5:00pm with a 30 minute unpaid lunch break
He kōrero mōu: About you:
- 5+ years’ experience successfully leading and managing a team.
- Able to effectively coach, manage and nurture a team to achieve goals.
- At least 10 years’ experience with human-care husbandry and animal management
- Experience in habitat maintenance and the ability to review habitats for animal welfare, safety, and visitor appeal.
- Demonstrated experience in species management.
- Good working knowledge of Zoological software systems, ideally ZIMS
- Great communicator with an understanding of the importance of engaging a collaborative approach across the entire Zoo.
- Experience working with the media, or a willingness to be trained.
- Ability to engage and build positive relationships with internal and external parties.
- Sound knowledge of conservation issues and the role a progressive zoo plays
- A good level of fitness due to the nature and requirements of the role (and we are on a hill).
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer:
- Permanent full-time role.
- Zoo uniform provided including boots.
- After six months, able to apply for 5 days Conservation Volunteering Leave each year.
- Sick leave entitlement from the start of employment.
- An extra accrued week of annual leave after 5 years continuous service.
- Discounts on Zoo products.
- Zoo passes to share with family and friends.
- Annual flu vaccinations.
- Free parking.
- An environment of inclusive and supportive teams and managers.
- A passionate and committed full zoo team, dedicated to animal welfare, sustainability initiatives, visitor experience and conservation.
Please note:
- Applicants for this position will already have the ability to work in New Zealand.
- If successful, you will be required to undergo a police background check, a police vetting check, and a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. We arrange all of these for you through relevant providers.
- If you have support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
- If you have any questions about the role or the application process, please contact people&culture@wellingtonzoo.com
Tono mai | Apply Now
Applications close: NZT 5:00pm Sunday 6 September 2026 submitted through our career website.
Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo is a diverse workforce that reflects Aotearoa New Zealand, and we are committed to accepting, valuing, and embracing the diversity of all people.
Tūhono mai! Come join us!
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
