Division: Community Services
Department: Recreation and Community Development
Term: 1 Permanent Full Time position available.
Closing Date: 06/11/2026
Labour Group: CUPE 59
Posting: 5396
This position is a CUPE 59 position and will be filled in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Should it not be filled in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, external candidates will be considered.
Under the supervision of the Zoo Curator, this position is responsible for the coordination and quality control of the daily husbandry of the animal collection and issues pertaining to wildlife across the park and zoo; maintaining the quality standards of accredited zoological practices.
The Animal Care Specialist III will ensure high standards of maintenance and care for a diverse collection of animals. Responsibilities include: project implementation, animal husbandry and welfare, exhibit maintenance, record keeping, guest services, supervision, and related duties as required.
The incumbent will be responsible for the daily supervision of the professional animal care team with input into the planning of exhibits and selection of species. The incumbent will adhere to all health and safety regulations, legislation, and policies.
- Prepares and oversees the preparation of animal diets, feeding of animals and distribution of water.
- Cares for and trains staff on injured or young animals including bottle-feeds of young as required.
- Orders feed and supplies, as assigned.
- Cleans, disinfects and inspects exhibits, exhibit furniture, water and food containers to ensure a safe and healthful human and animal environment.
- Develops and implements schedule for cleaning and maintaining exhibits and off exhibit holding areas.
- Monitors animal behaviour, including pen signs, droppings etc., for signs of illness and injury.
- Performs and trains staff on 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.
- Serves as the primary mentor and trainer to Animal Care Specialists and Animal Care Professionals including identifying training needs and creating plans to retain and develop talent in technical and behavioural competencies under the supervision of the Zoo Curator.
- Recommends and implements techniques and methods pertaining to animal husbandry, habitat improvement of enclosures and the handling and care of species
- Develops animal enrichment protocols and animal training plans under the supervision of the Zoo Curator.
- Leads animal care committees ensuring that all accreditation standards are met.
- Trains staff and maintains animal records on a daily basis using Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS).
- Ensures compliance with safe work practices and all zoo policies and procedures.
- Ensures a respectful workplace and both inter- and intra-departmental collaboration of staff.
- Establish and maintain positive relationships with co-workers, contractors, and visitors.
- Serves as site coordinator for morning meetings, daily activities, supervision, and emergencies in the absence of Zoo Curator and/or Zoo Manager.
- Assists veterinarian and Zoo Curator in routine and emergency rounds and procedures
- Provides assistance and support for all Saskatoon Zoo events as required
- Oversees minor repairs to fences, structures, cages, enclosures and equipment and advises of other needs; performs in-pen grounds maintenance and zoo security.
- Secures enclosures, protects against vandalism, inspects site 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.
Education, Training and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in zoological science, wildlife management, biology, or related field.
- Possession of a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence under the Firearms Act, or obtained within three months after date of hire.
- Possession of a valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
- Current driver’s abstract from SGI demonstrating a safe driving record.
- Three years' related animal husbandry experience in an accredited (CAZA, EAZA, or AZA) facility with demonstrated expert knowledge of captive animal management and behaviours of a wide variety of domestic and wild animals.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills
- Expert 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.
- Advanced 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 mentor and lead staff in a variety of settings, in emergencies, and in daily activities.
- 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.
- Expert skill in the safe use of restraint, health care and nuisance-control equipment.
- Skill in the operation of a computer with Microsoft software.
- Demonstrated ability to guide and mentor others
Acceptable current Criminal Record Check (CRC) and Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) upon offer of employment.
Evening and weekend work is involved.
Weekly Hours: 40
Salary Range: $77,902.56 to $85,888.08 CAD per annum (2026 rates)
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The City of Saskatoon offers an inclusive workplace that embraces diverse backgrounds. As an equity partner with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC), the City commits to diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplaces. By having our workforce reflect the community we serve, we support the realization of miyo-pimatisiwin, (me-o-pi-ma-ti-si-win) “the good life”, for all residents. To learn more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the City, please visit Saskatoon.ca/diversity
Accommodation
The City of Saskatoon strives to provide an accessible and inclusive workplace for all, including throughout the application and selection process through reasonable access and accommodations. Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please email [email protected].
While we appreciate all applications we receive, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
Our Recruitment Process: Application > Posting Closes > Resume Review > Pre-screen/Interview > Offer > Pre-Employment Conditions > Welcome to the City
