Job Title: Interpreter 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 Interpreter and Animal Care Specialist at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, you will be a vital link between our guests, our wolfdogs, and the wilderness they represent. You will play a pivotal role in connecting visitors with the Sanctuary's mission, the stories of our wolfdogs, and the importance of wolf conservation. You will help guide visitors through the Sanctuary, sharing your knowledge and passion for these magnificent creatures while ensuring a memorable and educational experience for all. Every day you will be an advocate and caregiver, ensuring the well-being of our wolfdogs through expert care and understanding.
Key Responsibilities:
- Interpretive Excellence: Create and deliver captivating, educational, and interactive interpretive programs that help visitors connect with the stories and behaviours of the wolfdogs and the ecological importance of wolves in the broader natural world.
- Animal Care: Participate in the daily care of our wolfdogs, including feeding, monitoring health, maintaining clean enclosures, and creating enriching environments that cater to their physical and mental well-being.
- Storytelling: Share the Sanctuary's mission and the unique stories of our wolfdogs, emphasizing their role in advocating for the responsible stewardship of wolfdogs, and the critical importance of wolf conservation.
- Engagement: Engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds with passion, empathy, and a commitment to fostering a sense of wonder and responsibility towards nature and wildlife.
- Safety and Ethical Practices: Maintain the highest standards of safety for both visitors and animals, adhering to our ethics, values and culture in all aspects of your work.
- Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the Sanctuary team, contributing your passion, expertise and unique knowledge to always improve and promote a holistic approach to animal care, education, and conservation.
- Maintenance: Assist in maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the Sanctuary, including visitor areas, walkways, and animal enclosures.
Qualifications:
- A genuine passion for wildlife conservation, connecting people to nature, and a deep respect for wolfdogs and all animals.
- Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to captivate and engage diverse audiences.
- Experience in animal care or related fields, with knowledge of animal behaviour and husbandry practices.
- Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- A strong desire to bring your unique attributes and ideas to continuously improve who we are and the actions we take as an organization.
- Physical fitness, strong drive and work ethic, and the ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- An understanding of the mental and emotional challenges of working with hands-off animals and having the perseverance and fortitude to face these unique challenges.
- First Aid and CPR certification is desirable.
- Valid Class 5 Drivers’ License.
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.
