The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary team is made up of passionate animal lovers who all share a common goal of educating the public about responsible wolfdog ownership and the importance of wolves in the wild. Through bonding and caring for the wolfdogs that reside at the Sanctuary, we make it our mission to share their stories and help others to connect with their majestic and wild nature. While we are not actively hiring at this time, we are keen to welcome like-minded individuals with the opportunity to show us what you've got. The most common position that comes available is our Tour Guide/Animal Care Position. The details of this position are included below. Have some other skills that you think could be an asset? Be sure to include them in your application!
Full-Time Tour Guide/Animal Care Attendant
Thursday to Monday, 9 am to 5 pm (must be able to work weekends and holidays)
Reporting to the Operations Manager, Facilities Manager, and Supervising Tour Guide, the focus of this role will be to perform daily Sanctuary Tours and educational programming, as well as performing daily animal care for our 40+ resident wolfdogs. This role will comprise of mainly outdoor work with the wolfdogs and our guests, as well as some Sanctuary maintenance duties.
We are a fun, committed and hardworking team, dedicated to sharing our passion for wolfdogs and wolves with the public.
Tour Guide Responsibilities:
- Perform daily Sanctuary Tours and Activities
- Communicate with large and small groups of guests, including children and people with special needs
- Clearly and articulately provide information to guests in an engaging manner
- Demonstrate extensive knowledge of our facility and related topics
- Manage animals accordingly to ensure visitors have a great experience while ensuring the safety of animals and visitors
Animal Care Attendant Responsibilities:
- Specialized wolfdog care including feeding, watering, and cleaning out enclosures
- Interact with the 44+ animals in our care, often providing toys and other stimuli, ensuring they receive adequate exercise, socialization and enrichment
- Maintenance tasks pertaining to the wolfdog enclosures and Sanctuary grounds to ensure the safety and security of all our wolfdogs
Daily Operations and Facility Maintenance Responsibilities:
- Assisting Facilities Manager in all aspects of sanctuary maintenance
- Assisting in maintaining all sanctuary grounds so that they are safe and tidy for all guests (this includes snow and debris removal)
- Maintaining all enclosures so that they are safe and tidy for all the animals (this includes clearing out debris)
- Maintaining fence lines (including electric)
- Upon request, may be required to operate equipment such as chainsaws, lawnmowers, weed wackers and snowblowers
- Assist in Sanctuary outreach programs and any other special projects and events
Qualifications & Skills:
- A passion for public awareness and education surrounding wolves and wolfdogs
- Friendly, outgoing, excellent guest service skills
- Ability to memorize and recite facts clearly and accurately
- Ability to follow strict protocols involving animal care
- Exceptional verbal communication and interpersonal skills
- Enthusiastic, engaging, and informative way of speaking
- Passion for learning and willingness to continue to acquire relevant knowledge
- Time management skills, ability to independently manage own time
- Organized, efficient, responsible and mature
- Ability to work in a high paced team environment
- Proven ability to learn and adapt quickly to changing work environments
- Extensive understanding of dog and/or wolf behaviour
- Demonstrable interest in all aspects of animal welfare
- Previous kennel or animal care experience will be considered an asset
- Knowledge of animal handling and care techniques
- Demonstrated experience in a tourism based role an asset
- Must enjoy working outdoors, through adverse weather conditions
- Guiding experience an asset
- Valid Class 5 Drivers’ License
- Be able to exercise judgment, be detailed and observant, and be able to communicate well with coworkers and the public
