Set in 80 hectares, Orana Wildlife Park (Christchurch) is New Zealand’s only open range zoo. The Park is home to 1,000 animals representing over 90 different species; the focus of our collection is New Zealand native fauna, domestic animals and African savannah wildlife. Following the completion of our Great Ape Centre, home to New Zealand’s only gorillas, Orana is part way through an exciting development plan to ensure that the Park continues to evolve into the future. Planning is advanced on our next major capital project – a new Native Species Centre, a state of the art incubation and chick rearing facility showcasing a range of native species that will enable Orana to make an even greater contribution to New Zealand species conservation. Additionally, planning is also underway for the construction of a new rhino facility as part of The Australian Rhino Project - a joint international effort aimed at building an insurance population of white rhinos outside of Africa.

We have an exciting vacancy for the above key front-line position reporting to the Administration and Compliance Manager. Close liaison with other staff members will be essential to ensure that all front-line requirements are met. You will need to be a highly driven and energetic individual with a passion for wildlife.

This is a challenging, varied and interesting role that encompasses the following: reception duties including answering all incoming telephone calls/emails, providing a positive and professional first impression as visitors’ first point of contact, coordination of bookings including animal encounters and group bookings; accounts clerk duties including invoicing, preparing creditor payments and handling bankings; providing relief cover for the main gate/souvenir shop.

The successful applicant must possess the following attributes:

Excellent written communication skills (the position will involve writing correspondence and competence in this area will be tested during the selection process)
Numerical skills and ability to produce accurate work at a good speed (numerical skills will be required on a daily basis)
Highly organised and great attention to detail with proven ability to multi-task
A team player with a positive “can do” attitude
Ability to work independently in a busy environment
Outstanding customer service and people skills with a positive, polite and friendly personality
High level of computer literacy with experience in most Microsoft Office applications
A passion for conservation and the aims of the Trust