About Company
Ready to turn your passion for wildlife into a rewarding career? Hiring.zycto is proud to partner with a renowned zoological institution in Calgary, committed to wildlife conservation and public education. We seek dedicated individuals eager to contribute to the daily well-being of a diverse animal collection. This entry-level opportunity offers a unique chance to grow your expertise within a supportive, collaborative environment where every day brings new learning. Join a team where your dedication directly impacts animal welfare and contributes to vital conservation efforts, fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world.
Job Description
Are you an enthusiastic and compassionate individual with a profound love for animals and a desire to contribute to their care and conservation? Hiring.zycto is seeking a dedicated Zoo Keeper Assistant to join our team, supporting the day-to-day operations and animal husbandry practices at a leading zoological facility in Inglewood, Calgary. This is an incredible entry-level opportunity for someone looking to launch a career in animal care, offering extensive hands-on experience and mentorship from experienced professionals. Our partner institution is recognized for its commitment to global conservation efforts and providing exceptional animal welfare.
As a Zoo Keeper Assistant, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, facility maintenance, and guest experience. Your responsibilities will involve assisting senior keepers with precise daily feeding routines, meticulous cleaning of habitats, careful observation of animal behavior for any changes, and maintaining all enclosures to meet specific species requirements and regulatory standards. This role requires significant physical stamina, meticulous attention to detail, and a proactive, eager-to-learn approach to problem-solving. You will be instrumental in creating an enriching, stimulating, and safe environment for our diverse animal residents, ranging from majestic mammals and fascinating reptiles to vibrant birds and intriguing invertebrates. The work is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding, knowing you directly contribute to the health and happiness of these incredible creatures.
We are looking for someone who is not only deeply passionate about animals but also reliable, a strong collaborative team player, and eager to learn the intricate details of zoological operations. This position offers a unique chance to work behind the scenes, gaining invaluable experience in animal nutrition, behavioral enrichment, health monitoring protocols, and specialized exhibit maintenance. If you are committed to global conservation, eager to develop specialized skills, and ready for a challenging yet incredibly fulfilling career path, we strongly encourage you to apply. This role offers a solid foundation and pathway for significant growth within the zoological field, providing the essential experience for a long and dedicated career in wildlife care and preservation.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist senior keepers with daily animal feeding, ensuring proper diets and portion control according to established schedules and protocols.
- Perform routine cleaning and meticulous maintenance of animal habitats, enclosures, and public viewing areas, adhering strictly to hygiene and sanitation protocols.
- Monitor animal behavior, health, and well-being with keen observation, reporting any unusual observations, changes, or concerns to senior staff immediately.
- Prepare and implement animal enrichment devices and activities to promote natural behaviors and mental stimulation for various species.
- Maintain accurate and detailed daily records of animal care activities, including feeding logs, cleaning schedules, observed behaviors, and any medical treatments.
- Assist with the upkeep, organization, and inventory management of supply areas, ensuring adequate stock of feed, bedding, enrichment items, and cleaning supplies.
- Strictly follow all safety procedures and institutional policies, including those related to animal handling, exhibit security, and public interaction.
- Participate in habitat renovation projects, general facility maintenance, and landscaping tasks as directed by senior staff or management.
- Engage courteously and informatively with guests, answering general questions about animals and conservation efforts when appropriate and within guidelines.
- Attend regular training sessions, workshops, and staff meetings to continuously improve animal care knowledge, husbandry skills, and professional development.
Required Skills
- High school diploma or equivalent education.
- Demonstrated profound passion for animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and environmental stewardship.
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs, bending, stooping, standing for long periods, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Strong observational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team.
- High level of reliability, punctuality, and a strong, dedicated work ethic.
- Ability to follow complex instructions meticulously and adapt quickly to changing priorities and animal care needs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous volunteer or paid experience working directly with animals in a professional setting (e.g., shelters, farms, veterinary clinics, pet stores, zoos).
- Completion of animal-related coursework, certifications, or degrees (e.g., zoology, biology, animal science, veterinary technology).
- Current First Aid and CPR certification.
- Familiarity with basic animal behavior, ethology, and standard animal husbandry practices.
- Proficiency in basic computer applications, particularly for data entry and record-keeping.
Perks & Benefits
- Comprehensive health and dental benefits package, including vision care.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.
- Extensive opportunities for professional development, ongoing training, and career advancement within animal care.
- Employee discounts on facility admissions, gift shop merchandise, and select programs.
- A unique, inspiring, and dynamic work environment dedicated to animal welfare and conservation.
- Direct mentorship from highly experienced zookeepers and animal care professionals.
- The profound satisfaction of contributing to meaningful global wildlife conservation initiatives and public education.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to apply by clicking on the application link below. Please ensure your resume highlights any relevant animal care experience, volunteer work, or academic achievements. We look forward to reviewing your application!
