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 Cleaning Staff Jobs

Q What is the minimum hourly wage for cleaning staff jobs in New Zealand from 1 April 2026?
As per the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the adult minimum wage for cleaning staff in New Zealand is NZ$25.50 per hour from 1 April 2026. This rate applies to all hours worked including casual shifts with no separate night loading unless specified in the employment agreement. Employers must pay at least this amount or face penalties of up to NZ$20,000 per breach.
Q Do I need a work visa to apply for cleaning staff jobs in New Zealand as an overseas applicant in 2026?
As per Immigration New Zealand, overseas applicants require a valid work visa such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa before starting cleaning staff roles. The visa must list the specific employer and job, with applications processed in 20-40 working days after submitting proof of job offer and NZ$1,040 application fee. Working without this visa incurs fines up to NZ$50,000 and deportation.
Q What education or experience is required to qualify for cleaning staff positions in New Zealand?
As per the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, no formal education qualification is required for cleaning staff roles in New Zealand. Applicants need basic English language skills at IELTS level 4 or equivalent and must be at least 16 years old with no criminal record for roles involving sensitive sites. Prior experience is not mandatory but helps secure positions paying above the NZ$25.50 minimum.
Q What documents do I need to submit when applying for cleaning staff jobs in New Zealand?
As per the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, applicants must provide a completed IR330 tax form, proof of identity such as passport or birth certificate, and bank account details within the first week of employment. For visa holders, a copy of the work visa and job offer letter is also required before the first shift. Applications without these documents cannot proceed to payroll.
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