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!
Your success will be measured by your ability to achieve timely results in the context of a respectful, inclusive and service-minded style. With a focus on the City of Edmonton’s Cultural Commitments to Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent, you will:
- 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 Zoo’s sitekeeping 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
- Completed High School Diploma is required.
- Post secondary education in such fields as Zoology, Biology, Animal Health, Agriculture,Psychology, etc is an asset
- Professional husbandry experience caring for exotic or zoo animals in CAZA or AZA accredited facilities is an asset
- 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
- Demonstrated ability to achieve results in the context of a respectful, inclusive and service-minded style
- Hire is dependent on Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector satisfactory to the City of Edmonton
- Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's license (or provincial equivalent). Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver's permit is a requirement of this position
- Demonstrate alignment with the Cultural Commitments of Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent, fostering an environment for others to do the same. For more information on the City’s Cultural Commitments, please visit edmonton.ca/our-culture
- Demonstrate the foundational competencies, key behaviours and attributes of the City’s six leadership competencies: Courage, Inclusivity, Values-Based Influencer, Collaborative Networker, Systems Thinker and Creative Innovator. For more information on the City’s leadership competencies, please visit edmonton.ca/our-culture
- Applicants may be tested
The City of Edmonton is committed to inclusive, respectful and equitable workplaces that represent the communities we serve. We continuously improve our systems, policies and practices to remove barriers and ensure our employees, in all their diversity, can succeed. We value applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourage you to apply. To learn more, see the Art of Inclusion: Our Diversity and Inclusion Framework here: https://bit.ly/3etpEt6.
The City of Edmonton strives to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the application and selection process. If you would like to request an accommodation at any stage of the process, please contact Employment@edmonton.ca.
up to 2 permanent full-time. up to 1 permanent part-time, and up to 8 temporary part-time ongoing positions
Hours of Work: up to 30 hours per week for part-time; 40 hours per week for full-time. Evenings and weekends availability is required.
Salary: $22.072 - $32.036 (Hourly); $46,086.34 - $66,891.17 (Annually)
Talent Acquisition Consultant: JP/SK
