Animal Trainer/Presenters

The opportunity

We are looking for two experienced animal trainers/presenters to join our Animal Experiences team, to provide unique and memorable barrier-free encounters, that will connect visitors with our animals and ignite a passion for wildlife and conservation.

We have two positions available, one being a senior role. Animal displays, shows and encounters will allow you to share your passion for animals and their natural environment, and communicate our conservation messages in a fun and entertaining way.

In the senior position, you will support the team leader in in developing a range of new animal displays and up-close encounters. Day to day responsibilities will include developing staff skill in animal training and conditioning, animal training plans, behavioural enrichment programmes and husbandry methods. You will commit to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for animals, staff and zoo visitors.

About you

Naturally you will have a passion for wildlife conservation, excellent communication skills and experience with public presentations. You will be flexible with the ability to think on yourfeet, and be self-motivated and able to work well within our team. 

You will bring your experience with behavioural and environmental enrichment programmes and animal encounters, as well as proven ability in carrying out zoo keeping duties to a high standard, ensuring all husbandry and welfare needs are met.  A driver's licence recognised in New Zealand is also essential. 

You will also have the following skills/experience:

Position 1

• 1-2 years' experience in a relevant role
• Experience in animal training using positive reinforcement for public displays

Position 2 (senior)

• 5+ years' experience and demonstrable expertise in developing trained animal encounters, shows and displays for public audiences
• Expertise in animal training using positive reinforcement – falconry experience would be an advantage
• An aptitude for coaching and sharing skills with fellow trainer-presenters to assist in team development

What we offer

Our Animal Experiences team are a vital part of our Zoo, and we play an important part in ensuring visitors to Auckland Zoo not only have a memorable experience, but a connection with animals that leaves them wanting to make a positive impact on our environment and the conservation of species within New Zealand, and around the world.

These roles are both permanent, full-time and will work 10 days over a 14 day/variable roster system, including weekends and public holidays. 

As part of the Regional Facilities Auckland whānau, your work will help to enrich the lives of Aucklanders and will directly impact residents and visitors to our city. You will also have access to a large number of partnership benefits and discounts including food and retail, and health services.

Applications close Monday 17 September.

TO LEARN MORE AND APPLY PLEASE CLICK HERE

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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Senior Bird Keeper

Auckland Zoo is recognised as one of the most progressive zoos in the world. A winner of national and international environmental-related awards, it is home to 126 different species and over 1,000 animals.

Auckland Zoo's New Zealand precinct - Te Wao Nui - is a journey through six geographic zones and the flora and fauna of each.  The focus on native species provided by Te Wao Nui catalyses many opportunities for the zoo to contribute to the conservation of New Zealand wildlife, both directly and indirectly.  Around 25 New Zealand bird species are managed by the bird team, at least four of which are actively involved in breed-to-release programmes. The bird team is also responsible for the care of a growing collection of exotic birds, in line with the Zoo's masterplan.

The opportunity

As a senior Birds Keeper, you will work as part of a team responsible for the daily husbandry and management of the Zoo's bird collection, providing best practice husbandry, contributing to our understanding of the biology of these species and delivering attractive animal exhibits and meaningful encounters to our 700,000+ annual visitors.  This is a unique opportunity to play a role in the care of the Zoo's bird collection, to actively contribute to conservation in the zoo and in the wild, and to work with some of the world's most threatened bird species, including brown teal and blue duck, orange-fronted parakeet, saddleback, and kaka.

As a senior member of our team, you will also guide and support our keepers in their day-to-day work, and also in their ongoing progression.

About you

You will hold a recognised qualification in captive animal management and/or tertiary qualification in a zoology/biology-related field as well as having a minimum of 5 years' experience working with a variety of bird species in captivity.

You will also have:

• A track record of innovative husbandry including development of training and enrichment programmes.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to perform public animal encounters
• Demonstrated commitment to the conservation of species and ecosystems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to positively contribute to a team environment.
• Driver's licence and the ability to drive a manual vehicle.

This is a full-time role, working on a 7-day rotating roster system including weekends and public holidays.  A high level of energy and physical fitness will enable you to meet the daily challenges of the role. We are a fun and enthusiastic team, who thrive in this challenging and rewarding area and who work in innovative areas on an international level.

If you have proven relevant animal husbandry experience and a desire to really achieve conservation outcomes through your zoo-based career, then this is the opportunity you have been waiting for.  High priorities for this position include playing a key role in the development and delivery of visitor experiences by actively participating as a member of the Life Sciences team.

TO LEARN MORE AND APPLY PLEASE CLICK HERE

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

 To Advertise Vacancies on Zoo News Digest 
Please click
HERE