Kennel Attendant- Permanent and Casual

Animal Education and Control is operated by the Hamilton City Council; our goal is to create well educated dog owners. We get dogs for all sorts of reasons and work towards reuniting the dogs with their owners where possible. We run a successful adoption programme which is a very rewarding part of what we do.

This is your chance to be part of an organisation that is committed to building a more vibrant, attractive and prosperous city.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

You will work as part of a team responsible for the care and welfare of the animals being housed in the pound. This is a great mix of customer service and “hands on” animal attendant work. Contact with the public is a key part of this role alongside looking after the needs of impounded dogs (from docile to dangerous) and upkeep of our facilities. You will assist our veterinarians with health checks and treatment, vaccination, and as required the euthanasia of animals. This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week with rostered weekend work to ensure cover over 365 days per year. We also have casual positions available to support the team as needed. 

• Ensure the welfare of dogs including feeding and exercising
• Maintain cleanliness of facilities to a high standard
• Monitor animals to ensure good health and assess behaviour
• Carry out customer service and administration duties
• Participate in returning dogs to their owner and our adoption programme

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Relevant industry experience would be advantageous or hold qualifications or currently studying in a related field
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate sensitively and respectfully with all stakeholders
• Team skills, and a positive attitude

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Starting at $28.95 per hour dependent 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 from 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 Description
• Click 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: 23/09/2025

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

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 here

It 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.