Job Title: Assistant Facilities Maintenance and Animal Care Specialist at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
Location: Cochrane, Alberta, Canada
Position Type: Full-time
Thursday - Monday, 9 am - 5 pm. Tuesdays and Wednesdays off.
About Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary:
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is not just a place; it's a mission. Our Sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope for wolfdogs, bridging the gap between these misunderstood animals and compassionate human beings. Located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, our Sanctuary is dedicated to providing a safe and loving environment for wolfdogs while promoting public awareness and education and forging connections between people, animals, and the natural world.
Position Overview
As an Assistant to the Facilities Maintenance Manager, this role offers a unique opportunity to work hands-on in creating and maintaining a safe, secure, and enriching environment for both our rescued wolfdogs and the public who come to learn about them. At Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, facilities play a critical role in supporting our mission to provide a haven for these incredible animals.
This is a facilities-first role, with secondary responsibilities in animal care and occasional public education. You will be responsible for maintaining enclosures, fencing, vehicles, and grounds to ensure they remain safe, tidy, and functional in all weather conditions. This position requires careful attention to the unique needs of wolfdogs, including working in close proximity to them while strictly adhering to safety, containment, and animal welfare protocols.
By maintaining high standards for the Sanctuary’s infrastructure, this role directly supports the physical and mental well-being of the animals and enhances the visitor experience, allowing the public to meaningfully connect with wolfdogs and support our mission.
Key Responsibilities
Facilities Maintenance (80%)
Assist in the development, maintenance, and continual improvement of Sanctuary infrastructure to ensure a safe and enriching environment for both wolfdogs and visitors.
Public Infrastructure
- Ensure all public pathways, buildings, and infrastructure are maintained to exemplary standards of safety, cleanliness, and functionality.
- Perform regular seasonal maintenance, such as snow removal, mowing, weeding, and debris removal in public-use areas.
- Safely operate equipment such as chainsaws, lawnmowers, weed whackers, and snowblowers around animals, staff, and the public.
- Proactively identify areas requiring maintenance due to wear, weather, human use, or animal-related impacts, and address them efficiently.
Sanctuary Infrastructure
- Maintain fencing, gates, enclosures, and containment systems with a strong focus on animal safety and security.
- Support fire risk mitigation efforts, tree cutting and removal, and vegetation management, including identifying noxious or invasive plant species.
- Assist with maintenance of Sanctuary vehicles, equipment, and animal transport crates.
- Apply an understanding of animal behaviour to ensure all infrastructure supports appropriate containment, enrichment, and welfare needs.
Specialized Animal Care (20%)
- Participate in daily wolfdog care, including feeding, monitoring health and behaviour, and maintaining enclosure safety.
- Perform upkeep tasks and identify improvements to support the physical and mental well-being of wolfdogs.
- Follow all cooperative care, hands-off animal management, and enclosure tier protocols at all times.
Note: Direct interaction with wolfdogs is limited and regulated. This role prioritizes facilities and infrastructure support over animal handling.
Public Education (Limited and As Required)
- Support our mission of providing engaging, educational, and interpretive programs that help visitors connect with the stories and behaviours of the wolfdogs. This may present itself through answering visitor questions and offering basic knowledge and educational content.
- Training and support will be provided for all public-facing responsibilities.
Safety and Ethical Practices (At All Times)
- Adhere to all Sanctuary health, safety, and animal welfare protocols.
- Practice sound judgement and situational awareness when working in and around wolfdog enclosures.
- Participate in all required safety meetings, briefings, and reviews.
- Uphold the Sanctuary’s ethics, values, and culture in all aspects of work.
Collaboration and Team Support (As Required)
- Participate in daily team meetings and briefings, contributing ideas, feedback, and concerns.
- Support a psychologically safe, respectful, and solutions-focused team environment.
- Assist in supervising volunteers and onboarding new staff as needed.
- Work effectively and professionally with staff, volunteers, and leadership through clear and respectful communication.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and complete work efficiently without ongoing supervision.
- Demonstrated experience or strong aptitude in facilities maintenance, construction, or skilled trades.
- Understanding of, or strong willingness to learn, wolfdog behaviour, husbandry, enrichment, and cooperative care.
- High physical capability and comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Calm, decisive decision-making skills, particularly during unexpected or urgent situations.
- Strong alignment with the Sanctuary’s mission, values, and ethical standards.
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from the Sanctuary.
- Proficiency in woodworking and use of power tools (e.g., table saw, circular saw, drill, band saw, chainsaw).
- Working knowledge of equipment such as lawn mowers, tractors, and similar machinery.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively within a dynamic, fast-paced team.
- Resilience and perseverance when working with hands-off animals and within emotionally demanding environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment.
- First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Experience in animal care or related fields.
- Knowledge of wolfdog-specific behaviour.
- Experience with tree felling or timber work.
- Mechanical aptitude and experience with tool, vehicle, and equipment maintenance.
Who Thrives and Succeeds in This Role
- Enjoys hands-on, physically demanding work and takes pride in maintaining high standards.
- Is comfortable working independently in a dynamic outdoor environment with changing priorities.
- Demonstrates patience, resilience, and emotional maturity when working around hands-off animals.
- Values safety, structure, and consistency while remaining adaptable to weather and operational needs.
- Is motivated by conservation, animal welfare, and long-term impact rather than instant results.
- Communicates clearly and respectfully with staff, volunteers, and the public.
- Completes tasks within realistic timeframes with strong independent planning and follow-through.
- Identifies and addresses maintenance or safety concerns proactively, without requiring oversight.
- Demonstrates strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in day-to-day work.
- Ensures all public and animal spaces remain safe, functional, and well-maintained for both visitors and wolfdogs.
Benefits:
- Competitive compensation with the inclusion of health benefits.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- A rewarding and meaningful role as a part of a mission-driven organization with a global impact.
- Working in a beautiful natural setting.
- The chance to make a positive impact on visitors' understanding and appreciation of wolfdogs and wolf conservation.
- Creating incredibly rewarding and diverse relationships with our 60+ wolfdogs that call the Sanctuary home.
How to Apply:
If you are inspired by our mission and believe you have the drive, values, and passion to be a part of our team, please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining your passion for connecting people to animals and nature. Send your application to yamnuskawolfdogsanctuary@gmail.com
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. We appreciate all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
