Maintenance & Development Manager

• Initial 12-month fixed-term, full-time position
• Monday-Friday roster, 40hrs per week (occasional weekend cover required)
• Based at Orana Wildlife Park, McLeans Island
• $95,000-$110,00 gross per annum

In our 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 Wildlife Park is owned and operated by Orana Wildlife Trust, a registered charity dedicated to protecting and restoring Aotearoa’s wildlife for future generations. Conservation sits at the heart of everything we do, from habitat restoration and predator control to creating safe havens and wildlife corridors for some of Canterbury’s most at-risk species.

As a not-for-profit, our impact is only possible through the support of our community. Alongside our work in breeding programmes with global and national partners such as the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA), the Zoo & Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA), DOC and others, we rely on philanthropic, corporate and community support to sustain and grow these efforts, ensuring we can continue to protect wildlife, inspire visitors, and contribute meaningfully to conservation outcomes into the future.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

This is initially a 12-month fixed-term position with the intention to become a permanent role, subject to Orana’s financial position and long-term organisational requirements.

This is a senior management role, reporting directly to the CEO. As a member of Orana’s Senior Leadership Team, the Maintenance & Development Manager helps align teams with OWP’s strategy, contributes to collaborative decision-making, champions health and safety, supports an inclusive and accountable culture, and strengthens organisational capability, continuous improvement and stakeholder relationships.

We are looking for a highly practical and solutions-focused leader to oversee the maintenance, development and presentation of one of New Zealand’s most unique workplaces. This is a hands-on role where you will lead a skilled maintenance and grounds team to ensure daily operations continue as you are walking the Park, troubleshooting infrastructure issues, supporting your team, coordinating contractors, or jumping in to help deliver a project when needed. You will be equally comfortable developing long-term asset plans and project budgets.

This is not your typical facilities management role, and no two days will be the same. This is a role for someone who enjoys making things happen and fulfilment when a project is complete. Someone who sees obstacles as opportunities, can confidently make decisions, and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in alongside their team. As part of Orana’s commitment to conservation and pest management, we’d particularly welcome applicants who hold a current New Zealand Firearms Licence and are interested in joining our firearms team. Training and ongoing support will be provided for the right candidate.

He kōrero mōu: About you

You are an experienced maintenance, facilities, construction or infrastructure leader who understands how to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery. You are highly adaptable and understanding of the changing environment we are privileged to work in. Most importantly, you are someone who is solutions focused, able to bring people together, make decisions and see projects through to completion.

 You’ll likely bring:

• A trade qualification or relevant qualification in maintenance, engineering, facilities, construction or a related field.
• Significant experience leading a maintenance, facilities, construction or infrastructure team.
• Strong project delivery experience, including planning, budgeting and contractor management.
• A practical understanding of building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing or infrastructure systems.
• Experience implementing preventative maintenance and asset management programmes.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate, mentor and develop a team.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across the whole organisation.
• Excellent organisational skills with an ability to manage competing priorities.
• A strong understanding of workplace health and safety with a proactive and practical approach to risk management.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• A positive attitude, resilience and a genuine willingness to get involved wherever needed.
• Experience with pest control, wildlife management, or firearms use would also be beneficial. Full training and support will be provided.

Experience within tourism, parks, wildlife, zoo, conservation or large public facilities environments would be advantageous, but not essential.

A high level of initiative, resilience and energy is essential, along with a willingness to roll up your sleeves and contribute across a busy, purpose-driven organisation.

He kōrero mō te tangata angitū: What will help you be successful?

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Enjoy leading by example.
• Prefer finding practical solutions rather than identifying problems.
• Can balance working both in the office and out on-site.
• Able to switch between strategic planning and practical delivery.
• Take ownership and accountability for outcomes.
• Build strong relationships with staff, contractors and stakeholders.
• Enjoy working in a fast-moving environment where every day is different.
• Get satisfaction from seeing tangible results from your work.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

You’ll join a passionate, purpose-driven team who care deeply about our animals, our mission and each other, who are energised by the opportunity to grow and achieve something meaningful together. This is a full-time role based at Orana Wildlife Park.

As a member of our team, we offer:

• A dynamic and supportive workplace where no two days are the same.
• The opportunity to lead major maintenance and development projects.
• A genuine opportunity to influence the future direction of Orana Wildlife Park.
• A collaborative Senior Leadership Team environment.
• Competitive salary.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing support.
• Free on-site parking and annual flu vaccination.
• The chance to see the direct impact of your work on wildlife conservation, education and visitor experiences every day.

If you’re a practical leader who enjoys building, fixing, improving and delivering outcomes, and you’re excited by the opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation while leading a great team, we’d love to hear from you.

Please APPLY NOW and submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role.

This vacancy will close on Sunday 25th October, 5pm. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.