Manager, Animal Care

Overview

Join our team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and grow your experience at one of the most unique sites in Calgary!  The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a fixed-term, full-time Manager, Animal Care who will be responsible for the daily management of the animals, personnel, facilities and programs of the area assigned. The Manager oversees a specific zone within the zoo and will be required to manage areas that may include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and invertebrates.

Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Core Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

Contract:

• Start Date: January 2026
• End Date: January 2028

What you will do:  

• Responsibilities include interviewing and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work: appraising performance; employee recognition; addressing complaints and resolving problems; ensuring compliance with union contract; directing volunteers
• Administers discipline and complies with collective agreement, Zoo policy or relevant legislation in the management of staff
• Manages animal care employees, establishes work and sets schedules, interacting with staff daily on section, and has the ability to do husbandry work if needed for training purposes.
• Assist with and oversee animal moves, shipments, medical procedures, restraining and capturing animals.
• Actively participates in SSP and population planning meetings, as well as acquire animals based on the zoo needs and SSP recommendations.
• Authors, edits, promotes and enforces zoo guidelines, policies and standards. Identifies need for and initiates new guidelines.
• Ensures accurate, current records are kept on each animal and exhibit.
• Writes, updates and reviews animal management / husbandry protocols ensuring husbandry standards are met
• Uses existing knowledge of animal care and welfare to guide management of various species and individual animals in existing and new habitats and scenarios.
• Works with other departments to help develop, plan and implement educational programs, publicity, graphics, construction projects and general maintenance and other support services for the section
• Assist in planning and implementation of special projects, minor renovations and improvements in assigned zone; initiates necessary requests for maintenance and horticultural work within assigned zone
• Acts as zone manager in other areas when other managers are away
• Participates in emergency response, and potentially the firearms response team
• Works as a member of the team to provide best possible animal care for entire zoo
• Completes administrative tasks and other duties as assigned including maintaining and managing a budget

What you will bring:   

• Bachelors degree in Biology, Zoology, Ecology or related field; or equivalent experience
• At least 4 years of experience in Animal Care and Animal husbandry.
• Prefer a minimum of 4+ years of animal management experience with direct staff supervision, preferably in
• an accredited institution
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s License or equivalent is required
• A possession and acquisition license is an asset
• Able to establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees and park guests
• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Must have good observational skills
• The position requires inclusion on the zoo’s emergency response team
• Team player with excellent skills in coordinating internal and external animal movements, and husbandry programs which may include a component of animal training

Working Conditions:   

• Involves some outdoor work and heavy lifting
• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders, and carry up to 50lbs
• Exposure to fauna and pungent odors
• Must be able to work in inclement weather.
• Working on weekends and statutory holidays will be required.
• Required to be on call to deal with animal emergencies on a rotational basis
• Working on the ground alongside animal care staff
• Computer work, meetings, etc. approximately 50% of the time.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Zoo Offers:   

• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals

Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.

Apply by doing the following:   

1. Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
2. Submit your resume with an optional cover letter via our online application system.
3. Fill in the Application questions:
   • If hired, when would you be available to start?
   • If hired, what would be your wage expectations for this position?
   • Do you have a valid Class 5 Driver’s License?
   • Briefly describe your previous zoo and exotic animal experience, including any experience leading team(s) of animal care professionals.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.    

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by December 1, 2025 at 4:00pm MST.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted. 

JOB PERKS: discounts on food and beverage, participation in staff pass benefit