Animal Care Technician - Permanent F/T - CZ

Wilder Institute; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Wilder Institute in Calgary, AB, is seeking permanent full-time Animal Care Technicians to care for a variety of species and support conservation initiatives. You will monitor diets, track health and weight, maintain habitats, and assist with training and enrichment programs, while upholding high welfare standards.

As part of the team, you will mentor Animal Care Assistants, document observations, and participate in safety and reporting processes to ensure accurate records and excellent visitor

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 habitats and back-of-house areas through routine cleaning and disinfection, and participate in pest management as needed.
• Identify and report required facility and equipment maintenance.
• Assign tasks and mentor animal care assistants in cleaning and maintenance of animal habitats.
• Administer prescribed treatments as needed, following established protocols.
• Observe and document animal behavior, reporting deviations to Supervisors or Managers promptly.
• Lead and participate in enrichment and training programs to promote natural behaviors and husbandry goals.

Skills

Dietary management

Weight and health assessment

Habitat maintenance

Mentorship

Record keeping

Job description

Regular Full Time Specialist 1 Calgary, AB, CA

8 days ago Requisition ID: 1158

Take the next step in your Animal Care career and join our team at the Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo! Our Animal Care team is seeking permanent full time Animal Care Technicians who will be responsible for completing all aspects of daily animal care and maintenance for assigned animals.

This role involves ensuring compliance with established welfare standards, protocols, and best practices within the designated zone while actively participating in processes and programs for continuous improvement. They support safe, effective, and efficient operations of animal care and conservation initiatives, focusing on monitoring animal welfare, maintaining exhibits, and fulfilling reporting requirements with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

The Animal Care Technician promotes the organization’s mission by engaging with internal and external customers through the delivery and support of talks, programs, and animal experiences, in addition to answering visitor inquiries. By providing mentorship as well as exemplifying professionalism and teamwork, the Animal Care Technician takes an active role in skill development for Animal Care Assistants and peers. This may include identifying training opportunities, demonstrating and explaining job skills, and providing constructive feedback to foster growth and development within the Animal Care team.

Overall, the Animal Care Technician contributes to continuous improvement initiatives and collaborating with colleagues to enhance animal welfare, operational effectiveness, and positive workplace culture.

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:

• 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.

Public Interaction, Engagement and Education:

• 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