The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a permanent, full-time Animal Care Technician to join our dedicated team of Animal Care professionals. The Animal Care Technician is responsible for completing all aspects of daily animal care and maintenance for assigned animals. This role involves ensuring compliance with established standards and best practices within the designated zone.
The Animal Care Technician ensures compliance with established welfare standards and protocols 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.
What you will do:Husbandry:
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

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 to public inquiries with professionalism, escalating complex issues as necessary

Develop and document a diverse range of non-animal specific skills, including but not limited to vehicle operation, chemical application, plant identification, and water quality testing, to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.