Assistant Animal Care Technician

Role Overview

We are seeking an Assistant Animal Care Technician to support the care and maintenance of various animal species in our Biomedical Research Facilities based in Dunedin. This full-time position requires dedication to animal husbandry, management of breeding colonies, and assistance with both small and large animals under specific conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily care and husbandry to a diverse range of animals.
• Maintain and manage breeding colonies under conventional and specific pathogen-free environments.
• Assist with the handling of large animals as needed.
• Perform cage sanitation tasks and operate autoclaving equipment.
• Travel between different facilities within the campus as required.

Required Skills and Experience

• Genuine interest in and commitment to animal welfare across multiple species.
• Proficiency in using computer systems to maintain accurate and dependable records.
• Strong interpersonal skills, capable of communicating effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds.
• Physical fitness sufficient to manage lifting and moving tasks involved in the role.
• High integrity and responsibility, especially as the role sometimes requires working independently.
• A Veterinary Care qualification or comparable experience is advantageous but not mandatory.

About the Team

Our Biomedical Research Facilities team is dedicated to the ethical care and upkeep of laboratory and large animals used in research. We support multiple departments across the University campus by providing expert technical assistance and animal welfare services. We operate as an approved Containment and Quarantine Facility under New Zealand Government and Ministry of Primary Industries regulations.

Additional Details and Benefits

• Permanent full-time role with a 37.5-hour workweek located in Ōtepoti (Dunedin).
• Potential for overtime work covering statutory holidays and weekends.
• Competitive annual salary ranging from $59,494 to $63,000, with a top range of $68,847.
• Five weeks of annual leave and enrollment in a superannuation scheme contributing 6.75%.
• Emphasis on achieving a healthy work-life balance within a supportive work environment.
• Applications from candidates with Māori and Pacific backgrounds or those with experience in these communities are especially welcomed.

Eligibility and Application

Candidates must hold the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be eligible. Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter before the closing date, Monday, 24 August 2026. Early applications are encouraged as the University reserves the right to close recruitment early.