• Permanent, full-time position, 40 hours per week.
• Tuesday – Saturday, or Sunday – Thursday roster (two nursing staff will each cover one weekend day as part of their team roster to ensure seven day a week cover).
• $55,000-$65,000 per annum.
As Orana approaches its 50th year, we are reflective and determined to continue achieving our conservation goals. We are looking for team members with commitment and motivation 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 are seeking a passionate, pragmatic, and experienced Veterinary Nurse to join our newly forming veterinary nursing team at Orana Wildlife Park. This is a hands-on role for someone who is adaptable, collaborative, and ready to roll up their sleeves to help us build something special from the ground up.
The role will work closely with our Head Veterinary Nurse and wider animal care team to deliver exceptional veterinary support for our diverse collection of wildlife. This is the perfect opportunity for someone who thrives in a practical environment, enjoys variety, and is committed to animal welfare and conservation.
This position will:
• Assist veterinarians and the Head Veterinary Nurse with routine, emergency, and surgical procedures.
• Administer medications, monitor anaesthesia, and maintain accurate medical records.
• Provide hospital and quarantine care for animals.
• Manage veterinary supplies and assist with equipment maintenance.
• Conduct routine health checks, welfare assessments, and support biosecurity protocols.
• Perform diagnostic testing, sample collection, and assist with post-mortems.
• Support capture, restraint, and transport of animals using low-stress techniques.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and contribute to conservation initiatives.
He kōrero mōu: About you
You are a pragmatic, communicative, and hard-working individual who thrives in a practical, hands-on environment. You’re ready to roll up your sleeves and contribute to building Orana Wildlife Park’s onsite veterinary care capability from the ground up. This role is for someone who embraces variety, adapts quickly to dynamic challenges, and is committed to animal welfare and conservation.
You are collaborative and solutions-focused, with a strong background in veterinary nursing and care. You bring technical skill, a positive attitude, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed to support the team and wider operations.
You will have:
• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or equivalent).
• Minimum 2+ years of experience in a veterinary nursing role (zoo, wildlife, or exotic species experience preferred).
• Full driver’s licence.
• Experience working with wildlife, exotic species, or large animal care is highly desirable.
• Experience with anaesthesia monitoring, diagnostics, and emergency response.
• Familiarity with biosecurity protocols, health and safety regulations, and veterinary compliance standards.
• Proven ability to work confidently and independently, including when senior veterinary staff are not onsite.
• Strong technical veterinary nursing skills, including diagnostic testing, surgical assistance, and wound care.
• Ability to handle and restrain a variety of species, ensuring animal and staff safety.
• Excellent record-keeping and data management for medical histories, drug use, and veterinary procedures.
• Strong communication skills, with the commitment and ability to educate and support animal care staff.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills, particularly in dynamic and unpredictable zoo environments.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
You will join an incredibly passionate team who are committed to their animals and the Trust’s conservation goals.
This is a full-time, permanent position, working 40 hours per week. The working roster will be either Tuesday – Saturday, or Sunday – Thursday as the two nursing staff we are recruiting for will each cover one weekend day as part of their team roster to ensure we have seven day a week cover.
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.
If you are adaptable and open-minded, with experience in leadership and a desire to push yourself to benefit conservation and animal welfare, APPLY NOW! Get in quick, as applications will be reviewed and interviews for successful applicants planned as they are received.
Applications for this position close on Sunday 25th January 2026, 5pm.
