UTILITY 6 ZOOKEEPER RELIEF
Magnetic Hill Zoo – Job # P1389
CLOSING DATE: DECEMBER 29, 2025
JOB SUMMARY:
The primary focus of this position is to provide backfill coverage on shifts for other divisional employees who are off work due to vacation, illness, time in lieu or other reasons. Shift schedules will vary as a result.
Duties and work primarily include taking the responsibility of maintaining the highest level of animal welfare of an area of the zoo. This includes both proactive and reactive planning, management and communication with zoo superiors and other departments.
The incumbent reports to the Service Foreman - Animal Care, Magnetic Hill Zoo & Park.
EDUCATION:
- High School graduate or GED equivalency.
- Must have a minimum of 5 years of animal science education and relevant animal work experience (zookeeper/veterinary technician) combined.
This may include;
- Completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) from a recognized college or university plus an additional one (1) year relevant animal related work experience.
- Or, completed a two (2) years relevant post-secondary education in the field of animal sciences or veterinary technician/technology from a recognized college or university plus and an additional three (3) years relevant animal related work experience.
- Or completed a one (1) year relevant Zoo-Animal Technical Program from a recognized college or university plus an additional four (4) years of relevant animal related work experience.
- Or, five (5) or more years of exotic animal zookeeper work in a recognized zoo may be considered
LANGUAGE:
- English essential
- The work requires direct interaction with the public in both official languages. If the successful candidate is not proficient in spoken French, they will be encouraged to work towards obtaining Level 2 spoken French, and they may be required, on occasion, to participate in language training provided by the employer.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to follow written instructions.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to fill out reports.
- Ability to work with mobile technology.
- Ability to complete minor repairs.
OTHERS:
- Have and maintain a valid Class 5 driver’s license.
- Must be willing to acquire a firearms license and first aid certificate.
SUPERVISION:
- The work will require supervision of work crews, providing advice and guidance to workers, and reporting job progress and details.
CONDITIONS OF WORK:
- Must have a good general knowledge of all emergency and safety procedures necessary to work with exotic and agricultural animals.
- Must have knowledge of and be competent in the operation of zoo equipment, to include but not limited to, capture equipment and transport equipment.
- Work requires physical effort and sufficient strength and stamina to do heavy manual labour outdoors in all types of weather. There may be exposure to several disagreeable conditions. Occasional Hazards would be considered as moderate.
- The incumbent requires a high level of attention to detail and could become stressful at times.
- Must be capable of providing courteous customer service and communication with the general public. Including i.e. “Meet the Keeper” presentations, behind the scenes and general questions.
- Hours of work shall be according to article 23.01 (B) Variable Shifts - Tourism and the employee will be required to work days, evenings, weekends and holidays.
