Animal Care Technician (1-Year Contract)

The Calgary Zoo•Calgary, AB

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a fixed-term, full-time Animal Care Technician. This role is responsible for all aspects of daily animal care and maintenance for assigned animals, ensuring compliance with welfare standards and protocols. The technician will support safe and efficient operations, focusing on monitoring animal welfare, maintaining exhibits, and fulfilling reporting requirements. This position also involves engaging with internal and external customers through talks, programs, and animal experiences, answering visitor inquiries, and providing mentorship to Animal Care Assistants and peers. The role contributes to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance animal welfare, operational effectiveness, and workplace culture.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in Zoology or related field is required. A similar combination of relevant education and experience will be considered.
At least 2 years of experience work at an accredited zoo or aquarium facility.
Must hold a valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s license.
Demonstrated knowledge in the care, behavior, and health of various zoological and wildlife species, with an emphasis on species-specific needs.
Strong working knowledge of zoo terminology and protocols, animal welfare standards, and conservation practices.
Proven ability to adjust to frequently changing priorities and deadlines while maintaining high standards of care and attention to detail.
Extensive experience working effectively in a team environment, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach, while employing effective time management and efficient strategies to achieve shared goals.
Prepared to follow detailed instructions with a proactive, can-do attitude, contributing positively to team goals.
Strong commitment to safety practices, ensuring a safe working environment for self and others.
Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
Proven ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative and sound judgment in decision-making.
Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme cold, humidity, and hot climates.
Capable of performing physically demanding tasks unassisted, including walking, standing, crouching, climbing, reaching, pushing/pulling up to 45 kg unassisted, and lifting to 35 kg unassisted.
Must meet the specific requirements of the position as outlined in the working conditions.
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Provide and monitor prescribed diets for a variety of animals, reporting dietary concerns or changes to Supervisors, Specialists or Managers.
Conduct regular assessments of animal weight, body condition, and overall health applying critical thinking to identify potential health issues early.
Maintain organizational standards for habitats and back-of-house areas through routine cleaning, disinfection, while actively participating in the pest management program.
Identifying and reporting any required facility and equipment maintenance.
Assign tasks and mentor animal care assistants tasks associated with cleaning and maintenance of animal habitats.
Administer prescribed treatments as needed, ensuring compliance with established protocols.
Evaluate and recommend mitigation measures associated with risks in animal care procedures to ensure the health and safety of both animals and humans.
Participate in animal capture and restraint procedures for veterinary procedures, shipments, and transfers under the guidance of experienced Animal Care Specialists, Supervisors, or Animal Care Technicians, ensuring all safety and welfare protocols are followed.
Demonstrate and uphold established safe work practices consistently.
Observe and document the physical and psychological behavior of animals, identifying deviations from normal patterns and reporting changes to Specialists, Supervisors, or Managers in a timely manner.
Design, implement, and track behavioral training and/ or enrichment programs to promote natural species-specific behaviors and achieve specific husbandry goals.
Lead and participate in various internal processes, such as Behavioral Enrichment and Training Plans, from initiation to completion, documenting outcomes comprehensively.
Uphold the highest standards of animal care, ensuring compliance with established protocols and actively contributing to risk assessments related to animal welfare under the guidance of Animal Care Specialists, Supervisors and Managers.
Maintain accurate and detailed electronic records for Animal Health and Animal Care Teams about each animal.
Use animal care records to inform and support decision making and enhance risk management practices.
Identify and communicate maintenance needs for designated work areas, including, but not limited to, repairs or replacement of tools and equipment to Animal Care Specialists, Supervisors, or Managers.
Troubleshoot equipment issues and train others on using equipment when necessary.
Assist in educational and/ or research programs as requested.
Assign tasks and mentor animal care assistants tasks associated with animal welfare tasks as appropriate and as directed by Animal Care Specialists, Supervisors, and Managers.
Deliver engaging programs and experiences that align with organizational messaging, ensuring timely and impactful execution.
Lead "Wilder Moments" by facilitating staff-driven, flexible opportunities for spontaneous public engagement.
Present to the public in after hour events offering specialized knowledge and fostering deeper connections to the zoo's mission.
Provide current and accurate information about animals and husbandry practices to educate internal and external audiences.
Assist in preparation and presentation of training programs for zoo volunteers and new employees as requested.
Conduct tours for peers, visitors, and volunteers as requested.
Respond to public inquiries with professionalism, escalating complex issues as necessary.
Develop and document a diverse range of non-animal specific skills, including but not limited to vehicle operation, chemical application, plant identification, and water quality testing, to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.