Animal Care Crew Lead

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is looking for a dynamic, positive, team oriented individual to assist in leading our Animal Care team. The Animal Care Crew Leader provides direct supervision and leadership in overseeing the specialized care practices and individual welfare of multiple species within the zoo’s collection.

What you will do:

• Be responsible for supervising the performance of documented husbandry practices pertaining to the care and welfare of multiple species at a CAZA accredited institution.
• Create, deliver and teach animal care team members positive animal management strategies for a variety of species using positive reinforcement based operant conditioning techniques and a natural behavior focused multifaceted enrichment program.
• Be responsible for the development, creation and maintenance of taxon appropriate naturalized, complex exhibit spaces including specialized habitats, environmental parameters, exhibit cleanliness, routine maintenance and facilitating the integrity and organization of site storage and keeper areas.
• Directly participate and coordinate the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s conservation of endangered species in a variety of ex-situ management programs including multiple species population recovery and breeding programs.
• Apply working knowledge of CAZA, AZA, and WAZA standards; ensuring the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s commitment to excellence in animal care, health and welfare.
• Work collaboratively with the vet services team to support the health and welfare of each animal on site through daily physical observations, documented reporting processes, quality of life assessments, administering medications, injections and minor treatments as directed; and participate in medical procedures as required.
• Use multiple platforms such as Google and ZIMS to create, maintain and update a variety of animal related records, emails, and documents.
• Review, research, and write various species focused care plans for ensuring necessary planning, communication and implementation of modern, industry wide best care practices.
• Represent the animal care team on various committees supporting the coordination and facilitation of site operations related to animal care.
• Supervise, coordinate and schedule staff, resources and equipment required for daily animal care husbandry, habitat and site maintenance.
• Assist the Animal Care Supervisor in the development of work plans; communicate performance expectations, goals and standards to staff; and ensure work is completed within approved work plans and standards.
• Maintain an effective working relationship with the public, the section leadership team and other City departments.
• Address customer and stakeholder needs as related to service delivery on-site including collaborating with internal business units such as the Zoo Experiences Team, 311, Rentals, and Site keeping etc.
• Collaborate with external partners, working groups, and other accredited zoological organizations, supporting the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s engagement in various research, community, or industry led committees and projects.
• Authorize minor expenditures.
• Promote a safe working environment for all staff; follow and ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety/Environmental standards.
• Assist Zoo Keepers when required in order to accomplish tasks.
• Liaise with the Site Keeping unit and develop work plans supporting the maintenance and construction of animal care areas.
• Other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Completion of a two year diploma in a related field including biological sciences, animal health technology, zoology etc.
• A minimum of three years progressively responsible experience working in animal care including in a supervisory capacity.

Skills required for success:

• Demonstrated supervisory skills and ability, which includes leading, training, and assigning work to staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, time management, problem solving, decision making, conflict resolution, teamwork, and prioritization skills are required.
• Ability to work and make decisions independently.
• Exemplary customer service skills and the ability to communicate and deal effectively with the public, as well as internal and external partners.
• Knowledge of ENVISO and safety practices and procedures.
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies.
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion.

Assets:

• Completion of WHMIS 2015 is an asset.

Conditions of employment:

• Valid Intermediate First Aid CPR C & AED is required prior to hire.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license (or provincial equivalent). Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver’s permit is a requirement of this position.
• Hire is dependent upon a Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to the City of Edmonton.

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits.

Up to 2 permanent full-time positions

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week. Evening and weekend work is required.

Salary: $37.01(Hourly); $77,276.88 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: DM/MM

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.

Classification Title: Community Services Crew Leader

Posting Date: Apr 16, 2025

Closing Date: Apr 30, 2025 11:59:00 PM (MDT)

Number of Openings (up to): 2 - Permanent Full-time

Union: CUPE Local 30

Department: Community Services

Work Location(s): Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road (87 Ave) Edmonton T5R 5R1