Animal Care Specialist II - City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon

Role overview

The Animal Care Specialist II is responsible for the day-to-day husbandry of the animal collection, zoo operations, and enhancement of the zoo visitor experience along with issues pertaining to wildlife across the park. This position maintains the quality standards of accredited zoological practices within the City of Saskatoon.

Key duties

• Prepares animal diets, feeds animals and distributes water.
• Care for injured or young animals under the supervision of an Animal Care Supervisor or Zoo Curator.
• Cleans, disinfects and inspects exhibits, exhibit furniture, water and food containers to ensure a safe and healthful human and animal environment.
• Monitors animal behaviour, including pen signs, droppings etc., for signs of illness and injury.
• Performs various animal health-care activities, including hoof-trimming, faecal collection, restraint, treatment, in administering medication and vaccine injections, observation and coordinates all relative animal testing and quarantine procedures under the supervision of an Animal Care Supervisor or Zoo Curator.
• Mentors and provides guidance to Animal Care Specialist I’s in providing more basic animal health care activities.
• Recommends techniques and methods pertaining to animal husbandry, habitat improvement of enclosures and the handling and care and training of species and develops animal enrichment protocols. Implements approved protocols and procedures for these items.
• Maintains animal records on a daily basis using Zoo Information Management System (ZIMS).
• Assists Animal Care Supervisor or Zoo Curator in routine and emergency rounds and procedures with or without veterinarians.
• 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.

Skills and experience

Candidates must meet specific education, knowledge, and physical ability standards to be considered for these administration jobs Saskatoon opportunities:

• Bachelor’s Degree in zoological science, wildlife management, biology, or related field.
• Possession of a valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
• Current driver’s abstract from SGI demonstrating a safe driving record.
• Two years' related animal husbandry experience in an accredited (CAZA, EAZA, or AZA) facility with demonstrated knowledge of captive animal management and behaviours of a wide variety of domestic and wild animals.
• Advanced knowledge of animal husbandry as it applies to the needs of captive animals.
• Ability to deal safely, effectively and appropriately with a variety of animals, under all conditions.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the public.
• Ability 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 minimal supervision within established standards of animal husbandry.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• 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 sit, stand, push, lift, kneel, and walk for extended periods.
• Skill in the safe use of restraint, health care and nuisance-control equipment.
• Skill in the operation of a computer with Microsoft software.
• Acceptable current Criminal Record Check (CRC) and Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) upon offer of employment.