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

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Zoo is a not-for-profit wildlife conservation science organisation, dedicated to bringing people together to build a future for wildlife.

The Assistant Duty Operations Manager roles sit within the Conservation Advocacy and Engagement Department.  The role reflects the Zoo’s strategic roadmap to expand the meaningful and inspirational connections with diverse audiences (visitors and communities) across Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. This dynamic role reports to the Duty Operations Manager – Visitor Experience & Engagement and will work with Customer Service Assistants and Experience Facilitators as part of the Visitor Operations team.

The Assistant Duty Operations Manager will support the Duty Operation Manager with the day to day operations and delivery of high quality, consistent customer service whilst also maximising revenue, through the successful operation of the Zoo’s customer service outlets, and act up as the senior person on duty when the Duty Operations Managers are not available. The Assistant Duty Operations Manager will support the Duty Operation Manager to lead staff in creating positive interactions with visitors., ensuring the team consistently add value to Auckland Zoo’s visitor experience. In addition, they will assist in the delivery of other conservation advocacy and engagement programmes and events to diverse audiences as required.

Click this link to access the Position Description

He kōrero mōu: About you

You’ll love providing exceptional customer service and thrive being a positive role model. You’ll be a positive solutions focused individual and who has experience supervising teams in a customer service environment. You’ll have proven administration and communication skills as well as the ability to use your initiative to solve problems and satisfy customers needs.  You will be passionate about wildlife and care deeply about the world around you.  You’ll be confident collaborating constructively with a range of teams and staff members, and you excel at supporting and assisting others to achieve their objectives. 

Qualifications:

• A qualification in hospitality, tourism, or customer service management is preferred.

Experience/Skills:

• A working knowledge, at an operational/supervisor level, of the workings of a visitor attraction, tourism operation, hotel or similar environment including frontline customer service, operations, liaison with other teams and suppliers.
• Rostering
• Experience of daily supervision of a frontline customer service/operations team in a visitor attraction, tourism operation, hotel or similar environment,
• At least two years experience in customer service, cashing up, reconciliation and reporting
• Understanding recruitment, training, and development of staff.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality customer service and to be an exemplar to others.

Please note: The role is 40 hours per week; however, this role requires flexible working, including some evening and weekend work, which may include public holidays as required to manage and deliver the role’s portfolio. The position shall support and work flexibly across all other conservation advocacy and engagement teams as required.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

This is a unique career opportunity working within the lush, green environment of Auckland Zoo and the varied landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand. You will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.5 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

Applications close Sunday 01 February 2026

#zoo

This is a Band E role

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.