Facility
Calgary Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Responsibilities: Reporting to the Curator for the area, and receiving direction from the Lead Keeper and other zookeepers, this position is responsible for the general day to day care of specimens, displays and holdings, as well as answering questions from the general public. Primary duties also include:
• Prepare and allocate feed and general day-to-day care of specimens in the section.
• Provide appropriate behavioural enrichment of specimens, clean and repair cages or displays, study and observe specimens for signs of illness or injury.
• Answer questions from the general public, deliver keeper talks and help with other public interaction.
• Participate in animal restraint and capture.
• Help in the treatment and care of sick or injured animals.
• Participate in pest management.
• Complete and maintain a variety of records and reports.
• Identify the need for repairs or replacement of facilities and equipment.
• Observe the collection for signs of illness, indifference or injury and report the problem to appropriate staff (Lead Keeper or Curator).
• Guide work of animal care volunteers.
• Participate in animal training where approved, under the guidance of Lead keepers and Curators.
• Perform related routine animal care and other general duties as assigned.
• Working Conditions: Work is performed in both outdoor and indoor environments. In addition, the work is physically demanding and may involve heavy lifting.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications: The successful applicant must possess a High School diploma or equivalency (e.g. GED). In addition, applicant(s) must possess a valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence (or provincial equivalent) with no more than six demerits, no current suspensions or charges pending. The ability to obtain a City of Calgary operator’s permit is also required.
The successful applicant must meet this position’s medical standard including required vaccinations and negative tuberculosis (TB) exposure with regular monitoring. A demonstrated interest in and knowledge of mammals, birds and other animals is required. Past experience in zoos or aquariums will be considered an asset. In addition, post secondary education in animal husbandry or a related field will be viewed as an asset.
Success in this position requires strong customer service skills and ability to use team work skills to effectively work with a diverse team. Applicants must be able and willing to work shifts, weekends and holidays and may be required to work in any animal care area of the zoo.
Compensation and benefits
• Union/Position: CUPE Local 37
• Compensation: Zookeeper 1 (Animal Care) $27.70 – 29.16 – 30.70 per hour (2015 rates)
• Hours of Work: Shifts may vary based on operational need. Weekend and evening work is required.
Application instructions
Please apply online through the City of Calgary at www.calgary.ca/careers or send your resume, along with a covering letter, in confidence to the Calgary Zoo by November 30, 2015. Please quote the position title in the subject line.
Human Resources
Calgary Zoo
1300 Zoo Rd NE
Calgary, Alberta
T2E 7V6
Email: hr@calgaryzoo.com
PLEASE, NO PHONE INQUIRIES. Applicants are thanked in advance and advised that only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.