Job Summary

An Animal Care Specialist I is responsible for routine duties to assist in the day-to-day husbandry of the animal collection, zoo operations, and enhancement of visitor experience. Under general supervision, the Animal Care Specialist I will maintain the quality of standards of accredited zoological practices. 

Responsibilities include: animal husbandry and handling, exhibit maintenance, diet preparation, enrichment, behavioral observations, record keeping, guest services, public presentations, general facility maintenance and related duties as required or assigned.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepares animal diets, feeds animals and distributes water.
• Cleans and disinfects exhibits, exhibit furniture, water and food containers to ensure a safe and healthful human and animal environment.
• Monitors animal behaviour for signs of illness and injury.
• Performs various animal health-care activities, including hoof-trimming and restraint, under the direct supervision of an Animal Care Supervisor or Zoo Curator.
• Performs various animal health-care activities, including faecal collection, treatments, administering medications, and injections under the direct supervision of an Animal Care Professional II or higher.
• Recommends techniques and methods pertaining to animal husbandry, habitat improvement of enclosures and the handling and care of species and animal enrichment devices. Implements approved protocols and procedures with supervision from an Animal Care Professional or Animal Care Supervisor.
• Maintains animal records on a daily basis using Zoo Information Management System (ZIMS).
• Assists in routine and emergency rounds and procedures under the direct supervision of a Animal Care Supervisor or Zoo Curator.
• Notifies appropriate staff for repairs to fences, structures, cages, enclosures and equipment and advises of other needs; performs in-pen grounds maintenance and furniture design.
• Secures enclosures, protects against vandalism, and reports public, animal and staff safety concerns.
• Performs public relations tasks, including public information, crowd control and regulation enforcement.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience Requirements

• Grade 12 education.
• Graduation from a recognized, post-secondary, two-year program in Animal Health Technology, Animal Science, Agriculture or a related field.
• Possession of a valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
• Current driver’s abstract from SGI demonstrating a safe driving record.
• One year related animal husbandry experience.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Basic knowledge of animal husbandry as it applies to the needs of captive animals.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Ability to understand and deal safely, effectively and appropriately with a variety of animals, under all conditions.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the public.
• Ability to learn how to perceive the health condition of animals by observation.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to operate hand tools, power tools, and PME. 
• Ability to understand and apply zoo-keeping techniques.
• Ability to work with supervision within established standards of animal husbandry.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a team environment.
• Physical ability to perform the assigned duties outdoors under all weather conditions.
• Ability to learn the safe use of restraint, health care and nuisance-control equipment.
• Ability to sit, stand, push, lift, kneel, and walk for extended periods.
• Skill in the operation of a computer with Microsoft software.

Requires Security Check

Additional Requirements

Evening and weekend work is involved.