Keeper (Primates)

Auckland is a global city with stunning scenery, wonderful beaches, and sub-tropical islands. It is also a city with one of the most progressive zoos in the world. At Auckland Zoo, wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability are at the heart of everything we do.

Our mission is “_to bring people together to build a future for wildlife_” and we do this by demonstrating exceptional care for wildlife, inspiring our visitors to value wildlife, conserving wildlife in the wild, and building a high-performance organisation.

**As a Primate Keeper, you will bring specialist expertise and skills and will work as part of a team responsible for the daily husbandry and management of the primate collection.**

We are looking for 2 people in this round of recruitment.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the development of the Zoo's primate section, to actively contribute to conservation both in the zoo and in the field, to work with some of the world's most extraordinary primates, and to provide exciting visitor experiences, which inspire and empower people to take positive action for wildlife and the environment.

Working on a rotating roster system including some weekends and public holidays, 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. This position reports to the Team Leader.

This is a full-time permanent role of 40 hours per week.

For a full position description pleas click here: Keeper (Primates)

**He kōrero mōu: About you**:
To be considered for this role, you must demonstrate all the following:

- A minimum of five years’ professional experience in the best-practice husbandry of primates (Great ape experience preferable).
- Relevant bachelor’s degree and/or Certificate in Zoo Animal Management and/or relevant equivalent experience.
- Proven ability to carry out and supervise daily keeping duties to a high standard ensuring all husbandry and welfare needs are met.
- Experience in designing/leading operant training and behavioural enrichment programmes.
- Self-motivation and demonstration of good teamwork.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with experience providing exciting and engaging animal encounters.
- Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring, and coaching, staff, and the ability to effectively train colleagues in specialist skills.
- Strong organisational skills, aptitude for creative problem-solving, strong self-motivation and drive.
- Demonstrated understanding of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums strategies for Animal Welfare and Conservation.
- Sound knowledge and use of ZIMS record keeping.
- Understanding of small population biology and management. Current driving licence valid in NZ.

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- A track record of innovative husbandry and research.
- Project management experience.
- Prior research and scientific writing experience.

A high level of energy and physical fitness will enable you to meet the daily challenges of the role.

**Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer**:
Annual salary NZD $55,182-$62,237, dependant on qualifications, skillset and experience. (Band: Keep 01 to Keep 03)

We also have an ever-growing availability of discounts and partnership benefits, for a snapshot of these please click here: Benefits

**Tono mo te mahi/To Apply**
- Please provide a cover letter
- No need to add your roles in the non-mandatory fields if your CV is up to date.
- Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday 4th June 2024 NZ Standard Time

**Please also consider the practicalities of relocating countries and the timeframes that this may take.**

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited strongly encourages our employees to be fully vaccinated.