Animal Care Lead / Hamilton

By rescuing, rehabilitating, sheltering and advocating for animals, we are directly improving their lives.

Our Animal Services teams run our 28 Centres, from Kerikeri to Invercargill and they are essential in us being able to do the work we do.

Job Description

About the Team

Our Centres are a hive of activity where every day is dedicated to animal welfare, community connection and making a real difference.

We have Centre Managers, Vets, Vet Nurses, Animal Attendants, Foster Coordinators, Customer Services Officers and everything in between.

Our people are kind, resilient, customer centric and calm under pressure.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Team Leader to join our Animal Services team.

This role is -

Permanent, full-time

Hamilton based

In this role you get to see the best and the worst.

It is a rewarding, fulfilling, and essential role, as well as demanding, heartbreaking and physical.

It takes a special kind of person to do this role but what you get back can really fill your cup.

You will lead, support and develop the Animal Care team so that they can provide consistent services and support in line with our policies and procedures around animal welfare and wellbeing.

You will be involved in recruiting, performance conversations, mentoring and training to build and maintain a high performing team.

You will work closely with the Centre Manager on budgets, rosters, process improvement initiatives and capacity.

You will look out for the volunteers in your area, making sure they are safe and supported.

You will manage and build on our Volunteer and Foster networks in the region to ensure our humans and animals are safe and feel supported.

You will work with the wider team around fundraising initiatives while building strong and effective relationships with local supporters and raising our brand awareness.

About You

You're an animal advocate, you are passionate about animal welfare, care and education.

Our vision, purpose and values resonate with you and you have a love for working with both humans and animals.

You will also have –

Proven experience in a leadership or supervisory role, ideally in an animal-related field.

Excellent communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to manage budgets, schedules, and team performance effectively.

A collaborative leadership style with the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks and manage workloads effectively.

Proficiency in administration and computer systems, with experience in using Microsoft Office or similar tools.

Strong knowledge of animal care, behaviour, and welfare (animal handling experience or qualification advantageous).

Influencing and conflict management skills

Strong communication and customer service skills

High empathy and resilience

Experience working in a busy environment where multitasking is key

Experience working with the community in a customer facing role

A positive and friendly approach to customers, animals and team members

Our Purrks

Our team is full of passionate, purpose-driven people who love animals and want to make the world a kinder and more compassionate place.

Some other purrks include –

To be a part of the greater good – to have the privilege of making a difference to the welfare of animals across New Zealand

Consistent support and an opportunity to continue to learn

Opportunity to bring fresh thinking and new ideas to get involved in projects that can build on the solid foundation that we have

To work with like minded people

A paid day off on your birthday

On site parking available

How to Apply

For more information about impressive work we do and the impact we have here at the SPCA click here.

For the job description click here.

If you are ready to be part of something amazing, APPLY NOW – we can't wait to see your application!

Applications for this role may be reviewed as they are received so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible!

We have a diverse, inclusive and values driven culture at SPCA.

We value a diverse work environment because teams are stronger with different perspectives and experiences, so we welcome people from all walks of life to apply.

All applicants must possess the legal right to work in New Zealand, either as a New Zealand or Australian Citizen or by holding a valid working visa.

Simply click Apply and complete our simple online application process.

Please contact

• if you have any additional questions.
• Only applications submitted through the official process will be considered.

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