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Zoo jobs
Auckland Zoo employees over 100 full-time employees and 180 volunteers.
Zoo roles embrace a diverse range of skills and occupations - from zookeeping, horticulture and marketing to veterinarians, vet nursing, administration, and customer service.
Zoo vacancies are listed online.
The Zoo receives a lot of enquiries from people wanting to find out about becoming a zookeeper - an increasingly popular profession it seems! If you are interested in zookeeping as a career, the information below is a good starting point. You can also check out volunteering at the Zoo, taking part in the Junior Keeper programme and work experience.
How do I become a Zookeeper?
There are very few zoos in New Zealand, and consequently very few zookeeping positions, so it's a good idea to keep your options open. Either working with animals in places other than a zoo, or undertaking other conservation-related work, can be a step in the right direction.
There is no single way to become a keeper, but with so much competition for employment, the more education and experience with animals, the better. Current keeping staff backgrounds are diverse, and include gaining science degrees, veterinary technician qualifications and a wealth of experience working both in overseas zoos and sometimes with animals in the wild - often via other conservation organisations and projects.
Unitec NZ offers a Certificate in Captive Wild Animals, as well as a Bachelor of Applied Animal Technology (BAAT). Places are limited, more information is available from Unitec NZ.
I'm still at school, what subjects should I be taking?
If you are interested in a career that encompasses conservation, the environment and working with animals, you need to keep your subject choice broad. Preferably include a science subject such as biology. It is important that you choose subjects that will give you the highest aggregate marks. Click here for information about our secondary school work experience programme...
For enquiries about working at Auckland Zoo, please check out the Auckland Council careers website https://careers.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/home