City of Edmonton is hiring zookeepers and the job seems so cool

If taking care of animals is your thing, the City of Edmonton is on the search for some zookeepers to look after critters at the Edmonton Valley Zoo.

In the role, you would provide care, maintenance, enrichment, and training for over 350 animals from different climates and habitats.

We mean, imagine being at a party and someone asks you what you do for a living, and you get to say “hang with Koalas.” Instant bragging rights!

You might also like:
• 9 concerts to check out in Edmonton this August
• House next door to Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz listed for over $4.2M
• Alberta city has second highest crime rate of all Canadian metros

Wild Koalas (Shutterstock)

The City says that while on the job, your tasks will include:

• Be responsible for the performance of documented husbandry practices pertaining to the care and welfare of multiple species at a CAZA-accredited institution
• Deliver, implement and participate in positive animal management strategies for a variety of species using positive reinforcement-based operant conditioning techniques and a natural behaviour-focused multifaceted enrichment program
• Be responsible for creating and maintaining taxon-appropriate naturalized, complex exhibit spaces through providing appropriate habitats; maintaining required environmental parameters, exhibit cleanliness, routine maintenance, and facilitating the integrity and organization of site storage and keeper areas
• Conduct behavioural observations using ethograms as required to monitor and observe the animal collection for species-specific natural behaviours
• Research, document and write various species-focused care plans for ensuring necessary planning, communication and implementation of modern, industry-wide best care practices
• Present and lead informative interpretive talks and tours to visitors and media, delivering conservation education-focused information while maintaining a high level of customer service, including providing content and engagement for zoo special events and rentals

The full list of qualifications for the gig can be found on the city’s job posting and includes a completed High School Diploma as a requirement, a valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license, and sufficient strength and stamina to perform heavy manual labour tasks, including lifting 25 kg bags of food daily and assisting others with heavier weights.

The City says there are up to two full-time ongoing positions, with a salary of $23.416 to $33.987 per hour.

You can find the zookeeper jobs on the City of Edmonton website.