1. Recreation Facility Services Branch
Volunteer Position Description
Position Title: Zoo Keeper Assistant
Position Location: Valley Zoo
Purpose/Goals of Position: The Zoo Keeper Assistant Position exists to provide support to Zoo Keepers at
the Valley Zoo while at the same time providing volunteers with first hand
knowledge and experience working with animals.
Purpose/Goals of Unit: As a volunteer you will assist the shift keeper, help prepare diets for the animals,
clean enclosures and help prepare enrichments for the animals. In most cases
there is little or no direct interaction with the animals, but, you have the
opportunity to be around them.
Responsibilities: -Assist with preparing food for the animals
-Assist cleaning enclosures
-Assist building environmental enrichments for the animals
-There is no direct contact with the animals
-Other duties as required
Training & Supervision All accepted applicants will receive an orientation that includes a site tour, safety
practices, hazardous materials, first aid, lost child and emergency procedures.
After completion of the orientation, volunteers will be matched with their keeper
and receive on the job and shadowing training. Volunteers are strongly
encouraged to read the orientation manual as supplementary training
Requirements: -Experience working with animals
-Knowledge/experience working in Zoos is an asset
-educational background including biology, zoology or equivalent an asset
-18 years of age or older
Health & Safety: A Hazard Assessment of the volunteer position will be reviewed with each
volunteer.
Benefits: -Working indirectly with animals of all types
-Job skills development
-invitation to annual Valley Zoo Volunteer Appreciation Event
Time Commitment: Each volunteer must be able to commit to one-four hour shift per week on a
consistent day.
Length of Appointment: Volunteers term is one year in length. At the end of this term, volunteers may be
asked to re-apply. A three month probationary period exists for all Valley Zoo
Volunteer positions.
Supervisor Contact: Wade Krasnow, Head Keeper
zookeeperassistant-100608123145-phpapp02.doc 06/08/2010

2. Recreation Facility Services Branch
Volunteer Position Description
496-6927 or wade.krasnow@edmonton.ca
To call in sick, please call 496-6932.
Pat White, On Site Volunteer Coordinator
496-3780 or pat.white@edmonton.ca
zookeeperassistant-100608123145-phpapp02.doc 06/08/2010