Zoo Operations Manager

City of Saskatoon; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 114,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Saskatoon is seeking a Zoo Operations Manager for the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo. This role plans and directs zoological, administrative, revenue and maintenance functions to support the facility’s mission, with oversight of staff and contracts.

Ideal candidates will have 7–9 years of managerial experience in facility operations, strong budgeting and stakeholder engagement skills, and a commitment to CAZA/AZAC accreditation and animal welfare.

Qualifications

• Degree in zoology, biology, animal sciences, or a related field.
• Seven to nine years’ managerial and supervisory experience in facility operations, attractions, or a zoological park.
• Considerable knowledge of policies, practices, regulations, materials and equipment used in facility operations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, oral and in writing, to provide information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to develop innovative, creative, and practical approaches to operations, financial, fund-raising and management issues.

Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, coordinates and supervises all zoological, administrative, revenue generating and maintenance functions at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.
• Manages short and long-range planning and development and directs and approves all programs and activities.
• Secures community support for capital projects and improvements via the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation.
• Negotiates contracts for services, partnerships, sponsorships, and lease arrangements.
• Ensures collaborative marketing plans represent all stakeholders to increase awareness and participation.
• Maintains CAZA/AZAC accreditation and safeguards the animal collection for visitors.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Zoology degree

Biology degree

Job description

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Department:Recreation and Community Development

Closing Date: 10/09/2026

Labour Group: ESA

Posting: 5734

Join Our Team!

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is looking for our next Zoo Operations Manager!

The Work You Will Be Involved In:

This position plans, directs, coordinates and supervises all zoological, administrative, revenue generating and maintenance functions at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo in keeping with the mission and objectives of the facility’s program plan.

• Manages short and long-range planning and development and directs and approves all programs and activities within the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.
• Provides directly or through a contract for services, the diversified recreational, education and environmental programs and services by means of zoological, horticultural, and heritage exhibits, in collaboration with on-site stakeholders including the Saskatoon Zoo Society.
• Manages assigned staff; hires, assigns work schedules, assesses staffing needs, identifies and pursues other resources if necessary, and performs layoff and recall as required. Responsible for performance management and disciplinary action when required.
• Secures community support for capital projects and improvements within the zoo and park through the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation.
• Negotiates contracts for services, partnerships, sponsorships, and lease arrangements with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensures collaborative marketing plans developed are representative of the entire facility and all stakeholders in order to increase awareness of, and participation at, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.
• Researches, develops and implements alternative methods to generate operating revenue for the facility, in keeping with the cost recovery and budget directives.
• Ensures the Saskatoon Zoo acts in accordance with the appropriate statutes governing the operation of a zoo and that the policies and procedures for proper animal husbandry and exhibition practices are in place and followed by zoo staff.
• Ensures ongoing measures are implemented to maintain CAZA/AZAC accreditation status.
• Ensures that proper measures are instituted and maintained to safeguard and contain the animal collection and to protect the visitors to the Zoo and the staff.
• Ensures that the facility’s assets, such as buildings, exhibits, equipment and grounds, are maintained and replaced efficiently and effectively.
• Acts as the City’s primary liaison with supporting agencies and boards, public, media, and other civic departments for all matters related to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Enhance Customer Experience

Excel in Strategy and Operations

Empower People and Ideas

What We Are Looking For:

• Degree in zoology, biology, animal sciences, or a related field.
• Seven to nine years’ managerial and supervisory experience in facility operations, attractions, or a zoological park, including experience working with volunteer boards and groups.
• Considerable knowledge of policies, practices, regulations, materials and equipment used in facility operations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, oral and in writing, to provide information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to develop innovative, creative, and practical approaches to operations, financial, fund-raising and management issues.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and partnerships with agencies, organizations, civic officials, contractors and the media.
• Ability to support staff in achieving results by providing the necessary leadership and empowerment.
• Demonstrated skill in leadership including planning, budgeting, facilitation and management reporting.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to affect change and create win-win situations, resolve conflicts, negotiate agreements, solve problems, build consensus, and involve stakeholders in dialogue.

Weekly Hours:40

Salary Range:$113,871.36to$133,798.56 CADper annum (2026rates)

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The City of Saskatoon offers an inclusive workplace that embraces diverse backgrounds. As an equity partner with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC), the City commits to diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplaces. By having our workforce reflect the community we serve, we support the realization of miyo-pimatisiwin, (me-o-pi-ma-ti-si-win) “the good life”, for all residents. To learn more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the City, please visit Saskatoon.ca/diversity

Accommodation

The City of Saskatoon strives to provide an accessible and inclusive workplace for all, including throughout the application and selection process through reasonable access and accommodations. Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please email [e-mail].

While we appreciate all applications we receive, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Our Recruitment Process: Application > Posting Closes > Resume Review > Pre-screen/Interview > Offer > Pre-Employment Conditions > Welcome to the City