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 

Help care for Hamilton's animals and make a real difference in our community

Do you have a genuine passion for animal welfare and love working hands-on with animals every day? We're looking for a caring, resilient and community-minded Kennel Attendant to join our Animal Education and Control team.

This is an opportunity to be part of a dedicated team that looks after animals when they need us most. From providing daily care and enrichment to helping reunite pets with their owners and supporting adoption outcomes, you'll play an important role in ensuring the wellbeing of animals and the safety of our community. 

At Hamilton City Council, our purpose is to improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians. We're committed to creating a safe, vibrant and inclusive city where people, pets and communities can thrive. 

Based at our Animal Education and Control Centre, no two days are the same. You'll provide high-quality care for a variety of animals in Council care while supporting the day-to-day operations of the kennel and adoption facilities.

Some of the things you'll be involved in include:

• Feeding, exercising and caring for impounded animals.
• Monitoring animal health, wellbeing and behaviour.
• Maintaining clean, safe and hygienic animal facilities.
• Supporting animal adoptions and owner interactions.
• Providing compassionate and professional customer service.
• Managing animal records and updating databases.
• Working alongside veterinarians and animal welfare professionals when required.

You'll be someone who genuinely cares about animals and enjoys making a positive difference every day. You thrive in a hands-on environment, stay calm under pressure and enjoy working with people from all walks of life. 

A Vet Nursing qualification would be advantageous, but isn't essential. 

If you're passionate about animals, enjoy helping people, and want to be part of a team making a positive difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.

This role is 40 hours per week and rostered to provide coverage 365 days a year, including weekends.

Apply today and help us create positive outcomes for animals and our community. 

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• At least two years' experience working with dogs or other animals
• An Animal Care Certificate or equivalent practical experience
• Confidence working with a range of animal behaviours and temperaments
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Strong teamwork and relationship-building abilities
• Sound computer and data entry skills
• A positive, can-do attitude and commitment to animal welfare 

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

Starting at $30.00 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: 23/08/2026

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.