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.

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Quick answers about Restaurant Jobs

Q What is the minimum hourly wage for restaurant workers in New Zealand from 1 April 2026?
As per the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the adult minimum wage for restaurant jobs in New Zealand is NZ$23.50 per hour as of 1 April 2026. Workers aged 16-17 receive NZ$18.80 per hour and starting-out workers receive NZ$21.15 per hour. Overtime rates apply after 40 hours per week at 1.5 times the ordinary rate.
Q What visa do overseas applicants need for restaurant jobs in New Zealand in 2026?
As per Immigration New Zealand, overseas restaurant workers must hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa valid for up to three years from 2026. Applicants require a job offer from an accredited employer and must meet the minimum skill threshold of NZ$23.50 per hour. The visa costs NZ$490 for applications lodged from outside New Zealand.
Q Do I need prior experience or qualifications to work in New Zealand restaurants in 2026?
As per the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, no formal qualifications are required for entry-level restaurant roles such as kitchen hand or waiter in 2026. Employers may require six months of relevant experience for roles above the minimum wage threshold of NZ$23.50 per hour. Food safety certification is mandatory for all food handling positions.
Q What documents are required to apply for a restaurant job in New Zealand?
As per Immigration New Zealand, applicants must provide a valid passport, job offer letter, and police certificate dated within the last 12 months for restaurant roles in 2026. Additional documents include proof of NZ$23.50 per hour wage and a medical certificate for stays longer than 12 months. Applications are submitted online via the Immigration Online portal.
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