Edmonton Valley Zoo Seeks Zookeepers with Unique Responsibilities

The City of Edmonton is actively recruiting zookeepers to join the dedicated team at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. This role involves caring for over 350 animals from various climates and habitats, offering a unique opportunity for those passionate about wildlife.

In this position, zookeepers will undertake a variety of responsibilities to ensure the well-being and enrichment of the animals. These duties include implementing positive animal management strategies, using operant conditioning techniques, and maintaining complex exhibit spaces that reflect natural habitats. The role also requires conducting behavioral observations to monitor the animals’ natural behaviors and documenting care plans that adhere to modern best practices.

Key Responsibilities for Zookeepers

The tasks expected of zookeepers encompass a wide range of activities aimed at promoting animal welfare and engaging with the public. Specific responsibilities include:

– Performing documented husbandry practices related to the care and welfare of multiple species at a CAZA-accredited institution.
– Delivering and participating in positive animal management strategies, focusing on natural behaviors and complex enrichment programs.
– Creating and maintaining taxon-appropriate exhibit spaces, ensuring environmental parameters and cleanliness are upheld.
– Conducting behavioral observations using ethograms to monitor species-specific natural behaviors.
– Researching and writing species-focused care plans to ensure effective communication and implementation of care practices.
– Leading interpretive talks and tours for visitors, delivering conservation education while maintaining high customer service standards.

The City of Edmonton has made it clear that these roles are vital to the zoo’s mission and the overall experience of its visitors.

Qualifications and Employment Details

The job posting outlines essential qualifications for potential candidates. Applicants must possess a completed High School Diploma and a valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license. Physical fitness is crucial, as zookeepers must perform heavy manual tasks, including lifting 25 kg bags of food regularly.

The City is offering up to two full-time ongoing positions, with salaries ranging from $23.416 to $33.987 per hour. Interested individuals can apply for the zookeeper positions through the City of Edmonton’s official website.

This opportunity not only allows candidates to work closely with animals but also to contribute to public education and conservation efforts, making it an appealing career choice for animal lovers.