Deadline to Apply: April 1, 2026

APC - CUPE Local 500

Permanent, Full-Time

About Assiniboine Park Zoo

Home to more than 150 animal species, the Assiniboine Park Zoo is a place for exploration and family fun in every season. Located in beautiful Assiniboine Park, the Zoo has been a favourite destination for families, tourists, school groups, and animal lovers for over a century.

Assiniboine Park Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. As an accredited, modern zoological organization, Assiniboine Park Zoo focuses on meeting and exceeding the ever rising standards of animal care and welfare, safety, and veterinary programs and as well as demonstrating a commitment to education, conservation and research.

With over 80 acres to explore, the Zoo is open year-round with both indoor and outdoor exhibits, providing visitors with the opportunity to interact with animal species from all corners of the globe. Educational programs for adults and children, unique event venues, and special events and promotions combine to make the Zoo Winnipeg's premier outdoor attraction!

The Opportunity

We are seeking an Animal Care Supervisor who is responsible for the coordination and quality control of the daily husbandry of the animal collection at the Zoo & The Leaf and issues pertaining to wildlife across the park. This position is responsible to maintain the quality standards of accredited zoological practices.

The Animal Care Supervisor will ensure high standards of maintenance and care for a diverse collection of animals within the Zoo and The Leaf. Responsibilities include: project implementation, animal husbandry and welfare, habitat maintenance, record keeping, guest services, and related duties as required. The incumbent may be required to work with or within other zoological departments and in a variety of locations across the Park including The Leaf.

The Animal Care Supervisor will be responsible for oversight of the professional animal care team of Animal Care Professional & Attendants with input into the planning of habitat and selection species. The incumbent will adhere to all health and safety regulations, legislation and policies.

Responsibilities

• Supervise animal husbandry team to meet the needs and requirements of an accredited zoological institution.
• Ensure a respectful workplace and both inter- and intra-departmental collaboration of subordinate staff.
• Ensure staff compliance with safe work practices and all Zoo & Leaf policies and procedures.
• Evaluate performance and quality of work of subordinate staff, in collaboration with Animal Management and Animal Collections Curators, utilizing regular performance reviews aimed at encouraging employee growth and development.
• Identify training needs of staff and create plans to retain and develop talent in technical and behavioral competencies.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of Animal Care Professional & Attendants’ training programs.
• Develop and evaluate work methods and procedures, recommending changes as required to improve quality and efficiency.
• Demonstrate appropriate zoological & biome practices and review effectiveness of staff performance to ensure adherence to approved procedures.
• Review and evaluate habitats, reserves, biomes, service areas, and related public access to ensure department conditions and appearance adhere to extraordinary expectations of Assiniboine Park Conservancy.
• Participate in the maintenance and husbandry of the animal collection as necessary to contribute to the team effort, monitor performance, determine effectiveness, and assess work routines. Allocate staff resources to meet daily and seasonal fluctuations in work load and to obtain maximum efficiencies for the Zoo and The Leaf.
• Provide input in the design and planning process for the animal exhibits and Institution Collection Plan.
• Establish work priorities, schedules, and assignments.
• Assist in the development and coordination of procedures and guidelines to address matters of safety, protocol, staff training and development, and animal welfare and husbandry.
• Must serve as a member of the Animal Emergency Response Team (AERT) and be capable of taking lethal actions to neutralize the threat of a dangerous animal.
• Process paperwork for schedules, work routines, budgets, reports, work orders, graphics requests, leave requests, payroll, employee enrollment, etc. using Microsoft Office software products.
• Coordinate the reporting and project implementation for maintenance needs in assigned section.
• Record daily observations of animal behavior, health, and welfare in accordance with industry standards and zoo policies and procedures.
• Participate in animal handling, restraint, and transport in accordance with established procedures.
• Participate in the provision of veterinary care under the guidance of Zoo Veterinarians.
• Deliver shows, talks, and presentations as scheduled.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in zoological science, wildlife management or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years zoo experience in an accredited facility with a demonstrated knowledge of captive management and behaviour’s of a wide variety of domestic and wild animals and a minimum of four years of experience in a supervisory role.
• Must possess a valid Manitoba Driver’s License.
• Proficiency with appropriate computer programs including Microsoft Office software.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, volunteers, and visitors.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Physically demanding and repetitive tasks.
• Must be able to perform physically strenuous work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Must be able to perform physically strenuous work indoors in all types of weather.
• Combination of sitting, standing, pushing, lifting, kneeling and walking for extended periods.
• Capable of handling heavy loads of up to 25-40 lbs.
• Must be able to push/pull 50-200 lbs.
• Noise exposure from operations, mechanical equipment and animal vocalizations.
• Exposure to strong scents from animals and chemical products.
• Contact with plants and animals which may cause allergic reactions.

APC Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Assiniboine Park Conservancy is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. Employment Equity may be a factor in selection for this competition. Consideration will be given to Indigenous people, racialized minorities, women and persons with disabilities.

Accommodations are available upon request during the assessment and selection process.