Job Description

• Permanent, full-time opportunity, Sunday through Thursday
• Be part of our mission to bring people together to build a future for wildlife
• Inspiring environment working alongside passionate people

This is a great opportunity to join the Visitor Experience and Engagement team at Auckland Zoo and be part of an organisation that aims to focus the Zoo's resources to benefit conservation, and provide exciting visitor experiences, which inspire and empower people to take positive action for wildlife and the environment.

Auckland Zoo is a not-for-profit wildlife conservation science organisation, dedicated to a future where people value wildlife and species are safe from extinction.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

We’re looking for an Assistant Duty Operations Manager – Visitor Experience & Engagement to support the smooth day-to-day delivery of Auckland Zoo’s visitor operations. Guided by the principle “We welcome visitors as friends – He kaha nō mātou ki te manaaki i ngā manuhiri,” this role helps ensure every visitor receives a warm, respectful, and memorable experience. Working closely with the Duty Operations Manager, you’ll support the operation of the Zoo’s customer service outlets, help maximise revenue, guide staff to deliver consistent service standards, and step in as the senior person on duty when required. In addition, they will assist in the delivery of other conservation advocacy and engagement programmes and events as required. The role works proactively across Zoo teams to support maintenance, health and safety, and operational issue resolution.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the daily operation of Zoo-run customer service outlets, including POS systems, cash handling, reporting, visitor issues, and business-critical IT support.
• Assisting with team induction, training, rostering, service standards, and staff performance to ensure a consistent and high-quality visitor experience.
• Supporting revenue, visitation, and visitor engagement targets through strong operational oversight and clear communication with the team.
• Building positive working relationships across the Zoo while promoting safe work practices, escalating issues appropriately, and contributing to projects that improve visitor operations.

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He kōrero mōu: About you

This role will suit someone who leads by example and takes pride in delivering exceptional customer service. Strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to motivate, supervise, and develop people are key. You’ll be confident supporting staff training, embedding procedures, and working with systems such as Microsoft Office and point-of-sale platforms. Flexibility is also important, as the role may include evenings, early mornings, late finishes, weekends, and public holidays. A strong understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural diversity and a commitment to positive, respectful working relationships with all communities is essential.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Operational or supervisory experience in a visitor attraction, tourism, hotel, or similar frontline customer service environment.
• Experience supervising a frontline team, including supporting daily operations, staff development, and cross-team coordination.
• Strong customer service experience, including cashing up, reconciliation, reporting, and supporting recruitment and training processes.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer.

This is a permanent full time opportunity, working 40 hours Sunday through Thursday. Note that these roles include some evening and weekend work, which may include public holidays as required.

We offer a competitive remuneration package, generous holiday allowance, and the pleasure of working in an award-winning Zoo. You will also have access to the full range of Tātaki Auckland Council benefits – we have a range of discounts and deals with corporate suppliers which cover financial services, health, retail and hospitality discounts to name a few. To find out more click this link

We are a fun and enthusiastic team, who thrive in this challenging and rewarding area and who work in innovative areas on an international level.

Tono mo te mahi/To Apply

• Please submit an online application
• You do not need to add your roles in the non-mandatory fields if your CV is up to date.
• You must have, or be able to obtain, the right to work in NZ. If you will be applying for a visa we strongly encourage you to check your eligibility and further information via the NZ Immigration website as we are not able to provide you with immigration or visa advice. We are an accredited employer.

Applications close Tuesday 26 May 2026

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.