Job Description

• Care for threatened and taonga native bird species at the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary.
• Support animal welfare, husbandry, and sanctuary maintenance activities.
• Salary Range: $62,192 to $67,446 FTE (pro rata for part-time hours). 
• Part-time, 24 hours per week (0.6 FTE), fixed-term role ending 30 June 2028, based in Te Anau.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

Mō te tūranga | About the role

Join the team at Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and play an important role in the daily care and wellbeing of some of New Zealand's unique native bird species.

This hands-on role focuses on bird husbandry, animal welfare, and sanctuary upkeep. Working as part of a small team, you'll help ensure the sanctuary operates to a high standard while providing a safe and healthy environment for birds in our care.

Your day-to-day work will include:

• feeding birds and maintaining fresh water supplies
• undertaking bird husbandry tasks and supporting high standards of animal welfare
• maintaining aviaries, including cleaning, water blasting, and providing enrichment
• carrying out site maintenance activities such as pest control, weed control, scrub-barring, pruning, and general upkeep
• following biosecurity protocols and national HPAI guidance for captive species management
• working collaboratively with colleagues to deliver daily work programmes
• supporting operational activities across the sanctuary as required

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for a motivated team player with a practical approach to work and a genuine interest in conservation. You'll be comfortable working outdoors, have a strong focus on animal welfare, and take pride in maintaining high standards.

If you have the following skills and attributes, we'd love to hear from you:

• a high personal commitment to Health and Safety
• good communication skills, both written and verbal
• the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• physical fitness and the ability to undertake manual outdoor work
• a willingness to follow animal welfare and biosecurity procedures
• a positive attitude and adaptability in a dynamic work environment

Desirable:

• experience or familiarity with bird husbandry, animal care, or captive species management
• experience maintaining facilities, grounds, or outdoor environments
• pest control and weed management experience
• a current First Aid Certificate
• experience working in conservation or a related field
• a full New Zealand driver licence

Mō te tīma | About the team  

You will be joining a supportive and collaborative team who value their staff and invest in personal development and growth. The wider Te Anau office consist of 50 staff, and this increases by approximately 40 during the busy summer season.

The operational team is led by the Operations Manager and consists of the Heritage and Visitors, Biodiversity, and Community teams. We have a positive work culture and sometimes get to work across teams when there is priority work on.  

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. 

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

The salary range for this position is 62,192 to $67,446 FTE (pro rata for part-time hours) with the starting salary of the successful applicant based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 06 October 2026.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Marie Manley, Recruitment Advisor on mmanley@doct.govt.nz.