Join a world-class zoo and contribute to wildlife conservation through high-quality veterinary care
Fixed-term 12-month maternity cover within a dedicated and experienced Veterinary Services team
Hands-on role with a focus on clinical nursing, anaesthesia, and zoo animal husbandry
Opportunity to work with a wide range of native and exotic species in a collaborative environment
Salary for this role is between $62,816 to $76,960 per annum

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Zoo is one of the most progressive and well-regarded zoos in the world, located in a vibrant global city surrounded by stunning beaches, forests, and islands. At the heart of everything we do is our mission: " to bring people together to build a future for wildlife ." We achieve this by delivering exceptional wildlife care, inspiring visitors, supporting conservation efforts in the wild, and building a high-performing organisation.

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Veterinary Nurse to join our dedicated Veterinary Services team on a 12-month fixed-term basis, covering maternity leave. Based within the Zoo’s New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine, you’ll be part of a close-knit team consisting of veterinarians, a veterinary resident, a clinical coordinator, and fellow nurses, all committed to providing the highest standard of care.

This is a hands-on, rewarding role where your skills in anaesthesia, clinical nursing, and wildlife husbandry will make a real impact. We’re seeking someone with a minimum of five years’ veterinary nursing experience, ideally within a zoo or wildlife setting, who can hit the ground running in our fast-paced environment.

This role involves working 40-hours per week, working on an evenly shared roster as part of a team of four staff veterinary nurses, who collectively provide 7-day per week on-site cover at Auckland Zoo (including weekends, public holidays and occasional out of hours work).

Click this link for the Position Description

He kōrero mōu: About you

Success in this position requires a knowledgeable and empathetic professional who demonstrates resilience and a solution-focused mindset. Strong collaboration skills are key, along with the ability to contribute positively to a supportive and forward-thinking team. Effective communication across a wide range of stakeholders is essential, along with a proactive and organised approach to day-to-day tasks.

Key requirements:

Veterinary Nursing Certificate
Minimum of 5 years working full-time as a vet nurse (or equivalent)
Minimum of 3–5 years’ recent full-time experience in zoo or wildlife veterinary nursing
Proven expertise in clinical care and anaesthesia monitoring
Practical experience in zoo animal husbandry
Confidence in handling both native and exotic species
High level of organisational and time management capability

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a passionate team contributing to world-class veterinary care and wildlife conservation outcomes.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

This is a unique career opportunity working within the lush, green environment of Auckland Zoo and the varied landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand. You will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.5 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

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Applications close Sunday 27 July 2025

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process .

Auckland Zoo

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