Job Description

• Primarily Silverdale, with flexibility to work at other shelters in Henderson, Manukau and Pukekohe
• Full-time, 40 hours per week, starting at 8:00 AM Includes one weekend day and may require work on public holidays
• Your chance to work with animals all day long

He angitūtanga: The Opportunity

We are seeking a compassionate Animal Shelter Officer to provide high-quality care for impounded dogs in our shelter. You’ll play a key role in ensuring animal welfare, supporting veterinary procedures (including euthanasia), and promoting responsible dog ownership. You will be part of a collaborative team that is committed to delivering world-class animal care and meeting Auckland Council’s statutory obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• Animal Care: Feed, exercise, socialise, and monitor the well-being of dogs in the shelter.
• Animal Handling: Safely manage dogs, applying knowledge of behaviour to ensure safe handling.
• Veterinary Support: Assist with health checks, treatments, and euthanasia procedures.
• Shelter Maintenance: Maintain a clean and safe environment, following hygiene protocols.
• Public Interaction: Engage with dog owners and the public, providing guidance on responsible ownership.
• Team Collaboration: Work with colleagues to meet operational needs and maintain accurate records.

He kōrero mōu: About You

The ideal candidate will have previous experience in animal care, shelter operations, or veterinary environments. Strong communication skills, the ability to handle animals confidently, and emotional resilience in challenging situations are essential. The role requires physical stamina to perform manual tasks and work in an active environment. Additionally, flexibility is key, as the candidate must be willing to work across multiple shelter locations and be available on weekends and public holidays when needed.

Key Requirements

• 3+ years’ experience in animal care or a related field.
• Physically fit and able to handle manual tasks, including cleaning and lifting.
• Emotionally resilient when supporting euthanasia and other challenging situations.
• Strong commitment to health and safety.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What We Offer

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 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

Me Tono Ināianei! Apply now!

Salary range: $69,345 plus KiwiSaver and benefits.

Find a copy of the position description here: https://bit.ly/4lbkwus

Applications close: 23 January 2026

Notes:

1. We appreciate your interest in this role. If you have applied within the past three months, we will not require you to apply again
2. If you are a Temp under Agency, please apply via the Auckland Council external website.

The role is deemed safety-sensitive and will require a pre-employment drug & alcohol test prior to offer.

#workingforAuckland #animalshelter #animalcare

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer. We serve the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, educational background, or religious beliefs. We also welcome applications from our Rainbow communities as well as disabled and neurodivergent people. We are committed to making our hiring process accessible to everyone. If you require any support or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.