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Animal Care Staff

Cochrane, Town of

Posted 3 months agoOpen until filled$40,000–$60,000Apply

About this job

The Town of Cochrane seeks Animal Care Staff for the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat to provide day-to-day care for polar bears, including cleaning enclosures, enrichment, veterinary assistance, behavioral training, and public education. The role is permanent and unionized, reporting to the Manager of the Polar Bear Habitat.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide exceptional husbandry care to bears
  • Clean, sanitize, and enhance bear enclosures and holding areas
  • Observe bears for signs of illness or injury and report to team leader
  • Prepare bear diets and manage feeding presentations
  • Provide behavioral training using positive reinforcement and deliver educational presentations to guests

Qualifications

  • Degree or diploma in zoology, biology, marine biology, animal science, or wildlife management
  • At least 1 year of work experience in animal care or zoo environment preferred
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physically demanding manual tasks
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions in animal care and public safety situations
  • Valid Ontario Class G Driver's License, First Aid & CPR Certification, and satisfactory Criminal Record Check

At a glance

  • Rate of Pay: $21.43 – $23.34
  • Hours: 40 hours per week including holidays and weekends
  • Position Status: Permanent, Unionized
  • Location: Cochrane, Ontario
  • Application Deadline: Friday, June 19th, 2026
  • Benefits and Defined Benefit Pension included

Summarized from the official posting. See the full posting below or apply for complete details.

Full posting

Skip to content • A great place for residents and those who are looking to relocate. Find out what’s new and happening in town. • Planning to spend some time in town? We recommend the discovery of things to see and do, where to eat and stay. • Business If you are looking to start a business, expand on one, or invest in your town, this is a great place to start. • Learn about your town's day-to-day decisions. Access links to bids and tenders, budgets, plans and more. • Find additional municipal services information for our existing local and outskirt residents. A great place for residents and those who are looking to relocate. Find out what’s new and happening in town. Planning to spend some time in town? We recommend the discovery of things to see and do, where to eat and stay. Business If you are looking to start a business, expand on one, or invest in your town, this is a great place to start. Learn about your town's day-to-day decisions. Access links to bids and tenders, budgets, plans and more. Find additional municipal services information for our existing local and outskirt residents. Directory Quick Links Employment Opportunity – Animal Care Staff Deadline to apply is Friday June 19th, 2026. May 26, 2026 The Corporation of the Town of Cochrane Employment Opportunity - Animal Care Staff Posting Details Job Title Animal Care Staff Department Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat Location Cochrane, Ontario Immediate Supervisor Manager, Polar Bear Habitat Rate of Pay $21.43 – $23.34 Benefits Benefits and Defined Benefit Pension Hours of Work 40 hours per week including holidays and weekends Position Status Permanent, Unionized Application Deadline Friday, June 19th, 2026 Job Summary The Town of Cochrane is currently accepting applications to join the Animal Care Team at the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat (PBH). PBH is the only center in the world dedicated solely to polar bears in human care. Our mission is to provide exceptional care, inspire through engagement and contribute to polar bear conservation projects. Reporting to the Manager of the Polar Bear Habitat, the position is responsible for providing exceptional day-to-day care for our bears, which includes cleaning and upkeep of bear areas, enrichment creation and implementation, provision of veterinary care and medications as directed by the veterinary team, and behavioural training and observation. Animal Care Staff also deliver interpretive and educational public presentations and tours, both in person and virtually, and have the opportunity to participate in research projects when available. Minimum Qualifications • The ideal candidate will possess a degree or diploma in zoology, biology, marine biology, animal science, or wildlife management, and at least 1 year of work experience in an animal care or zoo environment is preferred. • Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including lifting up to 50 lbs., frequent walking, standing, carrying, pushing, and performing physically demanding manual tasks. • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions in situations involving animal care and public safety. • Willingness and flexibility to work shifts, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as required. • Bilingualism (English/French) is considered an • Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions including heat, cold, snow, and rain. • Must possess, or be willing to obtain a valid Ontario Class G Driver’s License, First Aid & CPR Certification, and a satisfactory Criminal Record Check. Requirements & Responsibilities • Provides exceptional husbandry care to the bears • Cleans, sanitizes, decorates and enhances bear enclosures and holding areas • Observes the bears for any signs of illness of injury and reports to the team leader when necessary • Prepares bear diets and presentation/feeding of bears • Monitors and records bear behaviour • Provides behavioural training to bears using positive reinforcement methods • Assists with veterinary care in conjunction with off-site veterinarian • Presents educational sessions for guests, both on-site and off-site • Provides tours and additional ‘experiences’ for guests • Maintains tools, equipment, supplies, and inventory and provides recommendations when necessary Additional Details Thank you for your interest. We encourage qualified candidates to email their resume and cover letter to HR@cochraneontario.com on or before June 19th, 2026. A copy of the full job description can be found on the bottom of this ad. The Town of Cochrane is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA). If you need accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please call (705) 272-4361. Personal information collected will be used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection Privacy Act. We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. This is a vacant position and will be open until filled. AI will not be used in the selection process. FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AVAILABLE HERE Apply Now Featured Links Have an issue? Please use our citizen issue reporting system to submit your request or complaint. Submit a Report FacebookX-twitterYoutube WonderfullyUnexpected. © 2026 Town of Cochrane | EN FR EN How can wehelp? Search Load more results... Categories Pages News & Notices Events Documents Pages News & Notices News Notices Postings Ticker Events Education Featured Tourism Visitors Recreation FacebookX-twitterYoutube NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE Saturday, March 8th and Sunday, March 9th, 2025 Fifth Street will be closed from intersection of 7th to 8th Avenue and east side of 9thto 11th Avenue from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm Learn More FacebookTwitterYoutube TheLatest Employment Opportunity – Deputy-Treasurer Employment Opportunity – Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer SEASONAL LOAD RESTRICTION – LIFTED Bin Placement Notice

Job details

Salary
$40,000–$60,000
Experience Level
Entry level
Posted
July 19, 2026
Deadline
Open until filled
Still listed
Confirmed on the employer's site November 4, 2026
Municipality
Cochrane, Town of
Province
Ontario

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