Veterinary Program Assistant - Hamilton Zoo

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.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Reporting to the Head Nurse – Veterinary Program, you will assist the teams responsible for the effective day-to-day operation of the Hamilton Zoo animal nutrition centre and veterinary clinic and wider Te Kaaroro precinct duties as required.

• Assist the Nutrition Centre Specialist to coordinate, monitor, source, prepare and order nutritional supplies for the animal department.
• Assist the Head Nurse - Veterinary Program to ensure the delivery of high-quality animal care through hospital husbandry, and biosecurity for imports/exports.
• Operating procedures (e.g. diets, minimum husbandry standards) and work instructions are carried out to a satisfactory standard, as directed by the team leader.
• Written record keeping is thorough and timely.
• Issues and concerns are identified and raised to the Head Nurse - Veterinary Program in a timely manner.
• Adhere to Health and Safety policies and procedures, enabling a safe and healthy work environment for all workers and members of the public.

This is a fixed term opportunity to 15 March 2027.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Full NZ drivers’ license.
• Good standard of fitness.
• Animal husbandry experience.
• Understanding of the zoo industry, its philosophies and captive animal management practices.
• Excellent time management; able to work consistently to   schedules.
• Competent in basic computer use.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders (internal and external).
• Self-awareness that mindset is the foundation of performance and an ability to develop self and others in this regard.

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

Circa $61K dependent on skills and experience.

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: 17/06/2026

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.