At Hamilton City Council, our people are united by a shared purpose: to improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians. As one of New Zealand's largest city councils, we're proud to serve a growing and vibrant community while delivering services and projects that improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians every day.

You'll join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and community impact. Together, we're on track to being one of New Zealand's leading community-focused councils, where everyone matters and every contribution helps shape the future of our city.

If you're looking for meaningful work, a supportive team, and the opportunity to make a real difference in your community, you'll find it here.

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 

He angituutanga: The opportunity

We’re looking for a passionate Ungulates Keeper to join our team in Hamilton, New Zealand.

This is a hands-on role where you’ll provide high-quality daily care and husbandry for our ungulates, while contributing to positive animal welfare and a great visitor experience.

You’ll work closely with your team to deliver daily routines, animal training and enrichment, maintain high standards across our enclosures and ensure animal observations and records are completed accurately and on time.

What does a day in this job look like?

No two days in a zoo are quite the same, but some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Carrying out daily husbandry routines, including preparing and providing appropriate diets.
• Monitoring the behaviour, health and wellbeing of the animals in your care and raising any concerns promptly.
• Delivering animal enrichment and training in line with Zoo protocols.
• Regularly checking animal containment, exhibit boundaries and facilities to ensure they remain safe and secure.
• Cleaning and maintaining enclosures, including horticultural and pest maintenance.
• Keeping thorough and timely records of animal observations and daily activities.
• Supporting work experience students when required.
• Delivering visitor talks and tours professionally and safely.
• Engaging positively with visitors and helping create an enjoyable and informative Zoo experience.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about animal care, enjoys working as part of a team and understands the standards required in a professional zoo environment.

Ideally, you’ll bring:

• Experience in animal husbandry.
• A good understanding of the zoo industry, its philosophies and captive animal management practices.
• Confidence working with animal training and enrichment programmes.
• Strong observation and record-keeping skills.
• Great interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a range of people.
• The ability to work independently, manage your workload and meet required timeframes.
• A full New Zealand Driver Licence.

A tertiary-level qualification in animal care or an equivalent qualification and previous experience working with ungulates would be valuable for this role. 

He 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 

We invest in our people, their wellbeing, and their future. That's why we offer a range of benefits designed to support you both inside and outside of work, including:

• We support flexible ways of working that balance individual wellbeing, team and business needs. And great outcomes for our community.
• We support professional development and opportunities to grow your career.
• Two wellbeing days each year to focus on what matters most to you (after one year of service).
• Fully funded Unimed health insurance, including hospital and surgical cover, with discounted rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccinations.
• The option to purchase additional annual leave for greater flexibility.
• Eye care support, including reimbursement towards eye testing and prescription glasses.
• Access to a wide range of local discounts, including gyms, healthcare providers, retail stores, and 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: 26 November 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.