Animal Care Technician - CZ
Location
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
2+ years
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Posted
14h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Animal Care Technician at the Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo is responsible for all aspects of daily animal care and maintenance, ensuring compliance with established welfare standards and protocols. This role involves monitoring animal welfare, maintaining exhibits, fulfilling reporting requirements, engaging with the public, and mentoring Animal Care Assistants to foster growth and development within the team.
Summary
The Animal Care Technician is responsible for providing daily care and husbandry for assigned animals while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, habitat maintenance, conservation support, and guest engagement. This role also mentors Animal Care Assistants and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives across the Animal Care team.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Care & Husbandry
Provide daily feeding, prescribed diets, and monitor animal health, weight, and body condition.
Clean, disinfect, and maintain animal habitats, holding areas, and equipment.
Administer prescribed treatments and assist with veterinary procedures, animal restraint, transfers, and shipments.
Identify maintenance needs, troubleshoot equipment, and ensure safe work practices.
Mentor Animal Care Assistants and assign daily husbandry tasks.
Animal Welfare & Conservation
Observe and document animal behavior, health, and welfare, reporting changes promptly.
Develop and implement enrichment and behavioral training programs.
Maintain accurate animal health and husbandry records using established systems.
Support research, conservation, and educational initiatives.
Participate in risk assessments and promote best practices in animal welfare.
Public Engagement
Deliver educational presentations, keeper talks, tours, and interactive guest experiences.
Respond professionally to visitor inquiries.
Assist with volunteer and new employee training.
Support special events and public programs.
Additional Responsibilities
Develop operational skills such as vehicle operation, water quality testing, plant identification, and chemical application.
Collaborate with colleagues to improve animal care, operational efficiency, and workplace culture.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's degree in Zoology or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Minimum 2 years of experience at an accredited zoo or aquarium.
Valid Class 5 driver's license.
Strong knowledge of animal care, behavior, welfare, conservation, and zoo protocols.
Experience with ZIMS or similar animal record systems is preferred.
Skills
Excellent observation, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
Strong teamwork, leadership, and mentoring abilities.
Ability to work independently with sound judgment.
Commitment to safety, professionalism, and animal welfare.
Working Conditions
Outdoor work in all weather conditions, including extreme temperatures.
Physically demanding role requiring walking, standing, climbing, crouching, lifting up to 35 kg, and pushing/pulling up to 45 kg.
Shift work between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., including weekends, holidays, and emergency call-ins as required.
Benefits
Competitive salary.
Vacation and flex days.
Flexible health benefits with Health Spending Account.
Employer-matching RRSP.
Employee discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise.
Staff pass benefits.
Opportunity to work in a collaborative environment dedicated to wildlife conservation and animal care.
Updated 8h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
2+ years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo
Team size
Growing team
Location
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
The Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo is dedicated to acting for wildlife, saving species, and inspiring people to join their conservation efforts. They operate with core values of driving impact, nurturing connection, cultivating hope, and being bold.
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Animal Care Technician - CZ
Calgary, Alberta, Canada • Full Time