Program Specialist - Urban Farm Attendant Job Listing at City of Edmonton in Edmonton, AB (Job ID 54858)

Description

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is looking for energetic, motivated, and self-starting individuals to join our team as Urban Farm Attendants. In this role, you will be the heartbeat of the Urban Farm, ensuring our animals receive world-class care while creating magical, educational moments for every visitor.

As an Urban Farm Attendant, you are an essential part of the Edmonton Valley Zoo operations, responsible for a diverse range of daily duties that keep the Urban Farm thriving. You will work closely with Zookeepers to assist in animal husbandry and enrichment tasks, maintaining the high level of care our animals deserve. Beyond the barn, you are a primary storyteller, providing exceptional customer service and animating the farm by sharing knowledge on species behavior, natural history, and sustainable agriculture. You will guide safe interactions between the public and our animals, ensuring a positive experience for all community partners and guests during regular hours and special evening events.

What will you do?

• Assist Zookeepers with documented husbandry practices and the daily care of multiple species.
• Prepare nutritionally balanced diets following veterinary guidelines, ensuring precise weights and safe food handling.
• Monitor and supervise interactions in the Contact Yard to ensure the safety of both animals and engagement participants.
• Deliver engaging educational presentations regarding animal behavior, conservation messaging, and urban farming practices.
• Utilize positive reinforcement-based conditioning and natural behavior enrichment programs.
• Maintain accurate animal records and documentation using platforms like Google and ZIMS (Zoo Information Management System).
• Provide high-quality customer service during regular zoo hours and special after-hours events

Qualifications

• Minimum of 16 years of age
• Completion of 10th grade
• Basic knowledge and understanding of domestic, equine, and exotic animals

Assets: 

• Previous experience working with volunteers
• Experience working with children and families in a recreational environment.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of domestic, equine, and exotic animals.
• Proven experience in customer service with the ability to provide a welcoming experience.
• Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's license (or provincial equivalent). Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver's permit is a requirement of this position
• Valid Intermediate First Aid and CPR certification is required prior to start date
• A Police Information Check, including a Vulnerable Sector check, satisfactory to the City of Edmonton is required.

Skills required for success:

• Ability to interpret complex animal behaviors into engaging stories for the public.
• A self-starter attitude with the ability to adapt to the unpredictable nature of working with animals.
• Commitment to being an exceptional team player who sustains a positive workplace culture.
• Ability to learn and use digital record-keeping systems (ZIMS).
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm) 
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings (5:00 pm – 11:00 pm) for special events and rentals.
• Candidates are required to hold a valid Alberta Class 5 driver's licence (or provincial equivalent or higher. Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver's permit is a requirement of this position
• Hire is dependent on Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to the City of Edmonton, and there may be a cost associated with this requirement
• Possession of current Standard First Aid, CPR-C and AED certifications
• Applicants may be tested.

Work Environment:

• Availability to attend events during the evenings and weekends may be required from time to time.
• This role works primarily in an outdoor setting. Shifts may be cancelled or rescheduled due to inclement weather.
• This is a public-facing role and requires engagement and interaction with diverse people from various backgrounds with different needs, expectations and emotional states. 

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 https://bit.ly/COEbenefits

Up to 6 temporary ongoing part-time positions 

Hours of Work:  Up to 30 hours per week

Salary Range: $20.320 (Hourly)

Recruitment Consultant: PG/RF

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

Classification Title: PS - Attendant/Operator
Posting Date: Mar 26, 2026
Closing Date: Apr 9, 2026 11:59:00 PM (MST)
Number of Openings (up to): 6 - Temporary Part-time
Union: CUPE Local 30
Department: Community Services
Work Location(s): Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road (87 Ave) Edmonton T5R 5R1

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