Animal Care Supervisor (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo - Alberta, Canada)

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Calgary; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to wildlife conservation as an Animal Care Supervisor. In this pivotal role, you'll lead a passionate team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and operational excellence. You'll be responsible for mentoring staff, implementing data-driven animal management strategies, and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance animal care practices. If you're a proactive leader with a strong background in animal care and a commitment to conservation, this is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment filled with diverse wildlife.

Benefits

Flexible benefits plan

Employer matching RRSP program

Discounts on food and merchandise

Staff Pass Benefit plan

Fun work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 9 years of experience in animal care at accredited facilities.
• Experience in leadership and project management roles.
• Strong knowledge of AZA standards and animal welfare.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily husbandry and staff leadership in animal care.
• Implement strategic plans and ensure compliance with AZA standards.
• Analyze animal records and operational metrics for decision-making.

Skills

Leadership

Animal Care

Data Analysis

Critical Thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Zoology, or Ecology

Tools

ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System)

Job description

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Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Animal Care Supervisor (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo - Alberta, Canada)

Take the next step in your career by joining the team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and grow your experience at one of the most unique sites in Calgary! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking afull-time permanent Animal Care Supervisorto join our dedicated team. The Animal Care Supervisor is responsible for the oversight and performance of daily husbandry, staff leadership, and informing or applying data-driven animal management within an assigned area of the zoo.

The Animal Care Supervisor is responsible for ensuring high standards of husbandry and welfare, efficient day-to-day operations, and a positive, collaborative team environment. This position requires a proactive leader who utilizes critical thinking to assess and monitor animal welfare and well-being, mentors staff for ongoing professional and skill development and leverages data and the accredited zoo and aquarium community to optimize animal care practices. The Animal Care Supervisor ensures adherence to AZA accreditation standards and contributes to the organization's purpose, vision, mission, and priorities while collaborating closely with the Animal Care Manager to align goals, drive team success, and maintain seamless communication.

Our Purpose|We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Core Values|Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

What you will do:

• Implement strategic plans for the assigned area, aligning with organizational goals, AZA accreditation standards, and conservation initiatives.
• Allocate resources effectively, including staffing, and equipment, to maximize operational efficiency and animal welfare.
• Make data driven decisions regarding animal welfare, animal movements, habitat modifications, and department operations.
• Anticipate and proactively address potential risks and challenges, developing contingency plans as needed.
• Provide guidance and direction to animal care staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment, empowering them to critically think and assess risks.
• Address complaints, facilitate conflict resolution, and escalate issues to the Animal Care Manager as needed.
• Coordinate training programs and ensure that they are meeting the needs of the team and animals.
• Coordinate staff and volunteer training to support their professional development and advancement.
• Coordinate and evaluate all aspects of daily animal care, ensuring the highest standards of husbandry, nutrition, and enrichment.
• Lead the implementation of animal welfare assessments and behavioral monitoring programs.
• Collaborate with managers, veterinarians, and researchers to address complex animal health concerns and contribute to conservation initiatives.
• Ensure that animal enrichment programs are effective and data-driven, utilizing behavioral data to inform strategies.
• Make critical decisions regarding animal health and treatment, in consultation with the managers and veterinary team.
• Ensure compliance with all established animal welfare and wellbeing standards, protocols, and AZA accreditation requirements.
• Coordinate animal movements.
• Evaluate and improve animal care practices through detailed risk assessments, focusing on safety for both animals and staff.
• Review, investigate, and escalate reports of animal near misses, welfare concerns, and relevant documentation.

Data Analysis and Operational Excellence:

• Analyze animal records, behavioral data, and operational metrics to identify trends, evaluate program effectiveness, and inform decision-making.
• Ensure accurate records are kept.
• Optimizes operational efficiency and animal welfare by analyzing data to drive process improvements, fostering data-driven innovation, and ensuring habitat maintenance meets the highest safety and welfare standards.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, fostering a culture of innovation and data-driven decision-making.
• Lead safety training and ensure compliance with AZA and facility policies.

Public Engagement and Organizational Representation:

• Represent the organization in public forums and professional settings, promoting conservation and animal welfare initiatives.
• Deliver educational and inspirational presentations and programs for visitors, community groups, and professional audiences.
• Ensure professional and educational staff interactions with the public.
• Collaborate with departments to integrate animal care with organizational goals.
• Apply insights from meetings and training opportunities to enhance operations.

Related Responsibilities:

• Maintain advanced non-animal-specific skills, such as vehicle operation, chemical application, plant identification, and water quality testing.
• Demonstrate continuous learning, leadership growth, and team development.

Experience Required

At least 9 years of experience with a minimum of 6 years of animal care experience at an accredited zoo or aquarium facility, or a comparable wildlife facilityAt least 3 years of progressively expanded responsibilities in leadership, project management, or program development.A bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or ecology is preferred.Must hold a valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s license.Experience in veterinary collaboration and animal health procedures.Experience in providing leadership and mentorship in animal care.Experience in leading and implementing process improvements and operational efficiency initiatives.Experience in developing and implementing animal training plans would be an assetProven ability to develop and implement animal care protocols, enrichment programs, and training plans.Extensive knowledge of species-specific husbandry, behavior, training, and welfare.Strong working knowledge of AZA standards, SSP breeding and transfer plans, and conservation practices and programs.Proficiency in data analysis and record keeping, including experience with ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System) or similar systems.Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including risk management and safety protocols, to make sound decisions under pressure.Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team leadership skills.Demonstrated ability to strategically adapt to rapidly evolving priorities and deadlines, ensuring consistently high standards of care and operational efficiency across the team.Proactively solicits and utilizes feedback from various sources to drive continuous improvement in departmental processes and practices, fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration.Demonstrated commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements in animal care and leadership best practices, and to facilitating the continuous professional development of the team.Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and organizational policies.Proven ability to lead independently and collaboratively, demonstrating exceptional initiative and judgment in complex decision-making scenarios.

Further Comments

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account Employer matching RRSP program Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals

Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement

How to Apply

• Watch thisvideo about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
• Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system
• Fill in the Application questions:
• If hired, when would you be available to start?
• If hired, what would be your salary expectations?
• Do you have a Class 5 Driver's License?
• Briefly tell us about your animal care experience in an accredited zoo and or aquarium, or comparable wildlife facility.

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online byMay 14, 2025 at 4:00pm MST.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives tocultivate a workplacein whicheveryonefeels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selvesto work. As a conservation organization,we respect and value the diversity of all lifeand come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. Werecognize thevalue of diversity, equity, and inclusion,and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
1300 Zoo Road NE
Calgary, AB T2E 7V6
Phone: [phone]

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