Zoo Keeper

City of Edmonton • Part-time • Edmonton, Alberta, Canada • USD $ 23 - USD $ 33 / hour • 11h ago

Job Number: 53394

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 Zoo’s 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

Qualifications:

Completed High School Diploma is required

Assets:

Post secondary education in such fields as Zoology, Biology, Animal Health, Agriculture,Psychology, 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 driver's license (or provincial equivalent). Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver's 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 employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about ourbenefits

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.

Classification Title: Zoo Attendant I

Posting Date: Sep 19, 2025

Closing Date: Oct 3, 2025 11:59:00 PM (MDT)

Number of Openings (up to): 2 - Temporary Part-time

Union : CUPE Local 30

Department: Community Recreation and Culture

Work Location(s): Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road (87 Ave) Edmonton T5R 5R1