As Orana approaches its 50th year, we are reflective and determined to continue achieving our conservation goals. We are looking for team members to help us continue our mission to connect people with nature, and to educate and inspire our community towards creating a bright future for the next 50 years, and beyond.
Mō mātou: About Us
Orana is owned and operated by Orana Wildlife Trust, a registered charitable trust and not-for-profit organisation. Conservation is a core part of our mission and the key reason Orana exists. Our on-site habitat restoration and predator pest control programmes provide a connecting wildlife corridor and safe haven for some of Canterbury’s most threatened species.
Orana Wildlife Park participates in many zoo-based breeding programmes in partnership with the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA), the Zoo & Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA), DOC and others. We are committed to continuing our efforts towards these breeding programmes into the future.
He angitūtanga: The opportunity
We have multiple openings for a position as a Senior Animal Keeper. In this role, you will help provide leadership to our keeping team across one or more of our Exotic Species sections (either Carnivore, Ungulates and/or Primates). The key duties of this role will involve bringing high standards of husbandry and daily care to meet the welfare needs of our animal collection, as well as training and supervising our animal keepers and work experience students. You will help guide and implement training programs, enrichment activities and husbandry practices that prioritises the health and well-being of our animals. Furthermore, the role will involve inspiring visitor experiences that encourage action for wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
He kōrero mōu: About you
You will need a minimum of 5 years’ animal husbandry experience working with a variety of mammals, including ungulates, carnivores and primates.
You will possess:
• A high level of energy and physical fitness is required to enable you to meet the daily challenges of the role.
• A proven ability to provide leadership and training to other keeping staff.
• Passion for animal care and welfare and a contributor to a positive work culture.
• A responsible, mature outlook with an ability to build quality internal relationships across all staff teams.
• Emotional intelligence to understand the challenges of day-to-day operations of zoo animals and people.
• A contributor towards open communication that extends to all areas of our organisation.
• Strong practical and problem solving skills (e.g. fence repairs, working with tools and creative thinking).
• Demonstrated commitment to the conservation of species and ecosystems.
• Full driver’s license and the ability to drive a manual vehicle.
• Recognised qualifications in Captive Animal Management and/or Zoology/Biology.
You will need to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the role nutrition plays in the welfare of zoo animals, and an understanding of the 5 domains of animal welfare.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
You will join an incredibly passionate team who are committed to their animals and the conservation efforts Orana plays in the wild.
These are full-time, permanent positions, working on a set 40 hours, 5 days per week roster including some weekends and public holidays. The rostered days of the positions are yet to be determined. The salary range for this position is $60,000 – $62,000 gross per annum.
As a member of our team we are able to offer you:
• A workplace dedicated to fostering positive team culture through our four core values: Care, Empathy, Engage and Courage.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including numerous helpful resources and webinars.
• Opportunities for involvement through staff forums such as our Health and Safety Committee and Culture Committee.
• Pathways for personal growth and development.
• A full uniform supplied plus a non-taxable allowance paid weekly to cover footwear and a basic tool kit.
• Annual flu vaccination.
• Ample free parking on site.
Ētahi atu kōrero: Extra information
• You must be a NZ/Australian citizen or hold/be eligible for, a NZ work visa to apply. We are willing to work with the right applicant to obtain a work visa if necessary.
• All successful applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
• Animal Keepers are required to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and have a current Tetanus booster.
• Reliable transport is required to get you to the Park.
If you are adaptable and open-minded, with a desire to push yourself to benefit conservation and animal welfare, APPLY NOW! Please ensure you include a letter of introduction alongside your CV.
Applications for this position close on Sunday 26th October 2025, 5pm.
