Senior Shelter Officer (Animal Care) in Bishop Auckland
Senior Shelter Officer (Animal Care)

Senior Shelter Officer (Animal Care) in Bishop Auckland

Bishop Auckland Full-Time 64000 - 76000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team in caring for animals and ensuring their well-being.
  • Company: Join Auckland Council, making a difference in the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders.
  • Benefits: Flexible working conditions, competitive salary, and a focus on well-being.
  • Why this job: Work with animals daily and impact your community positively.
  • Qualifications: Animal handling experience and strong communication skills required.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 64000 - 76000 £ per year.

Your chance to work with animals in a team environment all day long.

Permanent Full-time working Tuesday to Saturday. Henderson based with agility to work across multiple locations.

The opportunity

On a daily basis, you will be responsible for assisting the Shelter Manager in running the shelter with a focus on dog behaviour and overall animal care. This includes helping to lead, motivate, and develop the team to maintain high standards of animal care. You will ensure all animals in the Henderson Animal Shelter are cared for, including temperament testing, feeding, exercising, and cleaning. You will assist and mentor Animal Shelter Officers, making sure they are well‑trained and confident in their responsibilities. With strong communication skills, you will be customer‑focused by assisting with adoptions, providing education, and building relationships with both internal and external customers.

This role works five days a week, including weekends and public holidays. The hours will be 40 hours per week with a 7:45 am start time. The role is primarily based in Henderson, however flexibility is required to work at other shelters in Silverdale, Manukau and Pukekohe when needed.

About you

You will be able to demonstrate competent animal‑handling skills coupled with outstanding customer service, while also helping to lead, motivate, and develop the team to maintain high standards of animal care. You will need to be flexible, have a strong work ethic, and be able to meet the physical demands of the role. You will impress with your excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Previous animal handling or husbandry is required for this role. An animal care certificate or equivalent qualification would be advantageous (but not a compulsory requirement).

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.

Apply

As part of our organisation, please view a range of our benefits. Application close date: Thursday, 19 February 2026. Salary range: $76,000 to $89,000 depending on experience plus Kiwisaver.

This role is deemed safety-sensitive and in line with Auckland Council policy, you will be required to complete pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.

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.

Senior Shelter Officer (Animal Care) in Bishop Auckland employer: Auckland Council

Auckland Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment where your contributions directly enhance the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. With a strong focus on employee well-being, flexible working conditions, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, you will find ample opportunities for personal and professional growth while working alongside a passionate team dedicated to animal care in the vibrant community of Tāmaki Makaurau.
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Contact Detail:

Auckland Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Shelter Officer (Animal Care) in Bishop Auckland

Tip Number 1

Get to know the shelter! Spend some time volunteering or visiting if you can. This shows your commitment and gives you a chance to connect with the team and understand their needs.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the role and the culture, plus it might just help you get your foot in the door.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your animal care knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your experience with animal handling and how you’ve motivated teams in the past.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Shelter Officer (Animal Care) in Bishop Auckland

Animal Handling Skills
Customer Service Skills
Team Leadership
Motivational Skills
Communication Skills
Flexibility
Strong Work Ethic
Physical Fitness
Animal Care Knowledge
Mentoring Skills
Behaviour Assessment
Time Management
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Animal Care: When writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! Share any relevant experiences you have with animal handling or care, and explain why this role excites you. We want to see your enthusiasm for making a difference in the lives of our furry friends.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. Mention specific examples of how you've led or motivated teams in the past, as well as your customer service skills. This helps us see that you're the perfect fit for our team!

Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This makes it easier for us to understand your qualifications and experiences without getting lost in the details.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right place and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, you'll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Auckland Council

Know Your Animals

Make sure you brush up on your animal handling skills and knowledge about dog behaviour. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed animal care in the past, as this will show your competence and passion for the role.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves mentoring and leading a team, think of instances where you've motivated others or improved team performance. Share these experiences during the interview to demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.

Communicate Clearly

Strong communication is key in this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer about their approach to customer service and team dynamics.

Flexibility is Key

Given the need to work across multiple locations, be ready to discuss your flexibility and adaptability. Share examples of how you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances in previous roles, which will highlight your readiness for this dynamic environment.

Senior Shelter Officer (Animal Care) in Bishop Auckland
Auckland Council
Location: Bishop Auckland

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