Zookeeper - Hamilton Zoo

Zookeeper - Hamilton Zoo


Company
Hamilton City Council
Location
Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand
Job Type
Full-time
Posted
5 days ago
Via
via LinkedIn
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Job Description
Hamilton Zoo at Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct is a Zoo and Aquarium Associate Australasia (ZAA) accredited and World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) member zoo. Owned and operated by Hamilton City Council we are set in 35 hectares of tranquil surroundings and are home to more than 500 native and exotic animals.To find out more about Hamilton Zoo, click here.Job DescriptionHe angituutanga: The opportunity We’re looking for two passionate Keepers (one Ungulates Keeper and one Primates Keeper) to join our team in Hamilton, New Zealand.These roles are hands-on with the daily care, feeding, and enrichment of our residents, helping ensure their well-being while maintaining a safe and healthy environment.Day to day you will: Prepare and provide appropriate diets and enrichment activities based on species and individual needsMonitor the behavior, health, and well-being, and report any concerns or abnormalitiesClean and maintain enclosures, ensuring a safe and hygienic environmentAccurately record and document observations, behaviors, and activitiesAdhere to all safety protocols and proceduresAssist in the training and socialization as neededParticipate in educational programs and interact with visitors, providing information about either Primates or Ungulates and their conservationQualificationsOo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experienceRelevant experience with ungulates and primates is preferred and will contribute to your success in the selection processStrong observational skills and attention to detailExcellent record-keeping and documentation abilitiesKnowledge of primate/ ungulate behavior, diets, and care requirementsAbility to follow safety protocols and procedures when working with animalsEffective communication and interpersonal skillsFlexibility to work weekends, holidays, and irregular hours as neededPhysical stamina to perform tasks involving lifting, bending, and standing for extended periodsAdditional InformationHe aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? The salary range for this is $60,216 - $83,258 depending on skills and experience. Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer Opportunities for professional development. Two Wellbeing days per year. Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members. Free annual health checks and flu vaccination. Ability to purchase additional annual leave. Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement. Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more. Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! View the Position DescriptionClick apply​Complete your application. If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.Applications close on the: 2 August 2026Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. This role is Safety Sensitive so a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol test will be required. View more information about these checks and our commitment to the Privacy act here by clicking hereIt is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings. This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Security Guard Jobs

Q What is the minimum wage for Security Guard Jobs in New Zealand in 2026?
As per the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the minimum wage for security guards in New Zealand is NZ$24.50 per hour as of 1 April 2026. Security guards working more than 40 hours per week must receive overtime at 1.5 times the hourly rate. This rate applies to all workers aged 16 and over with no exceptions for the role.
Q Do international applicants need a specific visa for Security Guard Jobs in New Zealand?
As per Immigration New Zealand, applicants from outside NZ require an Accredited Employer Work Visa valid for up to 3 years to work as a security guard. The job must be on the Green List or meet median wage thresholds of NZ$29.66 per hour from 2026. Applications must include a job offer from an accredited employer before arrival.
Q What licence is required to work as a security guard in New Zealand?
As per the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority, every security guard must hold a current Certificate of Approval issued by NZ Police before starting work. The certificate costs NZ$130 for 1 year or NZ$260 for 3 years and requires a criminal record check plus training completion by 30 June 2026. No one may work without this licence.
Q What documents are needed to apply for Security Guard Jobs in New Zealand?
As per the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, applicants must provide a CV, Certificate of Approval, proof of NZQA Level 3 security qualification, and photo ID. For visa holders, a valid passport and work visa copy are also required. Applications are submitted directly to employers with all documents verified before the interview stage.
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