Temporary Animal Care Assistant

Join us in making a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation as a full‑time, seasonal Temporary Animal Care Assistant at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, to help support daily animal care and maintenance. This role is primarily focused on providing general and foundational support to the team responsible for animal care and maintenance in an assigned zone.

The Animal Care Assistant is responsible for thorough cleaning and maintenance of animal habitats and work areas through dedicated physical labor, ensuring a safe and sanitary environment for both animals and staff. They follow established protocols and procedures meticulously to complete assigned tasks effectively and efficiently. Ultimately, the Animal Care Assistant will be a safe, efficient, and effective support to operational and team activities and help foster a collaborative work environment.

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

Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

• Start Date:
  
  May 2026
• End Date:
  October 2026

• Prepare and assist in providing prescribed diets to a variety of animals.
• Clean and disinfect habitats and back of house to meet or exceed organizational standards.
• Participate in pest management.
• Communicate any maintenance requests or equipment needs for designated areas to the Animal Care Specialists, Supervisors, and Managers.
• Based on tenure, performance, and successful completion of required training, staff may be given responsibility and accountability for the care of specific non‑dangerous animals in their respective zone.

• Promptly report any abnormalities observed from animals or in the animal spaces to Animal Care Technicians, Specialists, Supervisors, or Managers.
• Support the implementation of habitat changes and enrichment activities.
• Ensure the highest standards of care for all animals at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo by adhering to established protocols.
• Based on tenure and performance, staff may have opportunities to be trained for various aspects of animal welfare (for example, learning processes to conduct welfare assessments or make recommendations for improvements).
• Complete assigned checklists, reports, and documentation related to the work site and animals.

• Contribute to the mission and vision of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo by promoting wildlife conservation and engagement.
• Assist in delivering educational talks and demonstrations, sharing organizational messaging with visitors and fostering a positive visitor experience.
• Monitor animal behaviour and visitor interactions in immersive habitats, while ensuring adherence to animal welfare standards.
• Respond to public inquiries and escalate complex questions or issues as needed.

• Bachelor's in Zoology or related field, or a combination of education and experience is preferred.
• A background in animal care or experience working with animals in a work/volunteer setting is highly beneficial.
• Animal care experience in a zoo environment is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with zoo terminology, animal welfare standards, and conservation practices is preferred.
• Must hold a valid Class 5 Alberta driver's license.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
• Proactive and enthusiastic about learning for skills development.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team setting, contributing positively to group dynamics.
• Willingness to follow instructions with a proactive, can‑do attitude.
• Strong commitment to safety practices and maintaining a safe work environment.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Ability to perform tasks independently while also being a reliable team member.

• Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme cold, humidity, and hot climates.
• Capable of performing physically demanding tasks unassisted, including walking, standing, crouching, climbing, reaching, pushing/pulling up to 45 kg unassisted, and lifting to 35 kg unassisted.
• Shift work may be scheduled between…