Zookeeper - Primates

Set in over 90 hectares of lush and tranquil surroundings, the Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct is home to the Hamilton Zoo and Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park.  These well-loved community assets play an important part in connecting people with nature and conservation activities and providing fun experiences that inform and educate visitors.

To find out more about Hamilon Zoo - click here.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

We’re looking for a passionate Primate Keeper to join our team in Hamilton, New Zealand. You’ll be hands-on with the daily care, feeding, and enrichment of our primate residents, helping ensure their well-being while maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

Day to day you will: 

• Prepare and provide appropriate diets and enrichment activities for primates based on their species and individual needs
• Monitor the behavior, health, and well-being, and report any concerns or abnormalities
• Clean and maintain enclosures, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment
• Accurately record and document observations, behaviors, and activities
• Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures
• Assist in the training and socialization of our primates as needed
• Participate in educational programs and interact with visitors, providing information about primates and their conservation

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

 

• Proven experience in animal handling, particularly with primates or in an animal care setting
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent record-keeping and documentation abilities
• Knowledge of primate behavior, diets, and care requirements
• Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures when working with animals
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and irregular hours as needed
• Physical stamina to perform tasks involving lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods

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 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance 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.

Of course, you’ll work in one of the world’s top awarded garden venue. Your workplace changes with the seasons and enjoy the events that run throughout the year. 

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

Applications close 27 March 2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

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.