Zoo Keeper

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is looking for experienced Zookeepers to provide specialized care to multiple species within our collection through the performance of documented husbandry practices including routine exhibit maintenance animal training enrichment diet preparation behavioral observations and more. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic adaptable motivated self-starter who can problem-solve and work well on a team when speaking frankly it can be a real zoo around here!

What you will do:

• Be responsible for the performance of documented husbandry practices pertaining to the care and welfare of multiple species at a CAZA accredited institution
• Deliver implement and participate in positive animal management strategies for a variety of species using positive reinforcement based operant conditioning techniques and a natural behavior focused multifaceted enrichment program
• Be responsible for creating and maintaining taxon appropriate naturalized complex exhibit spaces through providing appropriate habitats; maintaining required environmental parameters exhibit cleanliness routine maintenance and facilitating the integrity and organization of site storage and keeper areas
• Conduct behavioral observations using ethograms as required to monitor and observe the animal collection for species specific natural behaviors
• Work collaboratively with the vet services team to support the health and welfare of each animal on site through daily physical observations documented reporting processes quality of life assessments administering medications injections and minor treatments as directed; and participate in medical procedures as required
• Directly participate in the conservation of endangered species in a variety of successful ex-situ management programs including various species population recovery and breeding programs
• Follow safe food handling procedures while preparing nutritionally balanced species appropriate diets according to veterinary directed guidelines including ingredients weighted amounts presentation consumption monitoring and scheduled delivery methods
• Research document and write various species focused care plans for ensuring necessary planning communication and implementation of modern industry wide best care practices
• Present and lead informative interpretive talks and tours to visitors and media delivering conservation education focused information while maintaining a high level of customer service including providing content and engagement for zoo special events and rentals
• Use multiple platforms such as Google and ZIMS to create maintain and update a variety of animal related records emails and documents
• Collaborate with the Zoos site keeping team providing minor site maintenance groundskeeping and horticultural tasks supporting animal habitats and displays
• Follow safety guidelines and standard operating procedures as required related to the daily care and management of dangerous animals
• Perform other related duties as required

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• Completed High School Diploma is required

Assets:

• Post secondary education in such fields as Zoology Biology Animal Health AgriculturePsychology etc
• Professional husbandry experience caring for exotic or zoo animals in CAZA or AZA accredited facilities

Skills required for success:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in biological sciences pertaining to the understanding and care of zoo animals including habitat diet health training reproduction evolution and adaptation to the environment and/or history
• Demonstrated skills in animal husbandry and associated knowledge of dietary veterinary and specific behavioral requirements of a wide range of animals
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions
• Demonstrated computer skills for maintaining required record keeping
• Excellent customer service skills including the ability to interact with the public in a courteous and helpful manner
• Ability to multitask and work independently and on a team
• Sufficient strength and stamina to perform heavy manual labour tasks including: lifting multiple items over 25 kg repetitively such as hay bales or feed bags routine raking shoveling hosing scrubbing and squeegeeing and assisting others with heavier weights
• Ability and readiness to work in all outdoor weather conditions evenings weekends weekdays and holidays
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies
• Embracing a Culture of equity diversity reconciliation and inclusion

Conditions of Employment:

• Hire is dependent on Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector satisfactory to the City of Edmonton
• Valid Alberta Class 5 drivers license (or provincial equivalent). Obtaining and maintaining a City Drivers permit is a requirement of this position
• Applicants may be tested

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills experiences and competencies and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation please contact Learn more about our benefits

Up to 2 Temporary Ongoing positions available

Hours of Work: up to 30 hours per week

Salary: $23.416 - $33.987 (Hourly)

Talent Acquisition Consultant: DM/MM

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.