Reptilia Whitby is looking to add a Casual Zookeeper to our team!
This is a casual position with no guaranteed minimum hours. Shifts are scheduled based on operational needs, vacation coverage, and staffing requirements, making this an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain professional experience working with reptiles and other exotic animals while maintaining a flexible schedule. Successful candidates may have opportunities to pick up additional shifts as they become available.
This posting will remain open until the position has been filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Position Overview
Zookeepers are responsible for providing exceptional care to Reptilia's animal collection by promoting the physical health, behavioral opportunities, and overall welfare of every animal, while contributing to conservation, education, and an outstanding guest experience. Through professional husbandry, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning, Zookeepers carry out their responsibilities in accordance with Reptilia's policies and procedures, Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) requirements, and the standards of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA).
Key Responsibilities
Animal Care & Welfare
- Provide daily husbandry for reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, fish, and other animals within Reptilia’s collection.
- Prepare and provide diets according to approved feeding schedules and species-specific requirements.
- Monitor animal health, behaviour, appetite, body condition, shedding, reproductive activity, and overall welfare.
- Report health, behavioural, or welfare concerns promptly to the Lead Zookeeper or appropriate supervisor.
- Assist with veterinary care, treatments, examinations, and procedures as directed.
- Support animal enrichment, behavioural opportunities, training, and welfare assessments.
- Maintain accurate animal care records using Reptilia’s approved recordkeeping systems.
Habitat & Facility Care
- Clean, disinfect, and maintain animal habitats, service areas, food preparation areas, and keeper spaces.
- Maintain appropriate environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, lighting, water quality, and habitat structure.
- Identify and report repairs, maintenance concerns, safety hazards, and equipment issues.
- Assist with exhibit improvements, habitat furnishings, and enclosure changes that support animal welfare and guest viewing.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow all Reptilia safety protocols, animal handling procedures, emergency procedures, and risk assessments.
- Work only within approved animal clearance levels.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment, tools, and handling equipment.
- Maintain awareness of potential risks associated with dangerous animals, zoonotic disease, chemicals, equipment, and guest-facing work areas.
- Participate in required training, drills, and professional development.
Guest Experience & Education
- Deliver engaging educational demonstrations, including theatre shows, public feedings, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes experiences, while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and guest safety.
- Communicate accurate, engaging information about reptiles, amphibians, and conservation to guests of all ages.
- Answer guest questions professionally and adapt presentations to suit a variety of audiences.
- Foster meaningful connections between guests and wildlife through positive, welfare-focused interactions.
- Represent Reptilia professionally and contribute to a welcoming, educational, and memorable guest experience.
Teamwork & Professionalism
- Work cooperatively with fellow Zookeepers, management, education staff, guest services, maintenance, and other departments.
- Communicate clearly, respectfully, and promptly with team members.
- Take initiative, manage time effectively, and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced animal care environment.
- Demonstrate reliability, accountability, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous learning.
- Support Reptilia’s mission, animal welfare culture, and professional standards.
Qualifications
Required
- Education or experience in animal care, zoology, biology, veterinary technology, animal behaviour, or a related field.
- Experience working with reptiles, amphibians, exotic animals, or other zoological species.
- Strong understanding of animal welfare, husbandry, safety, cleanliness, and professional animal care practices.
- Ability to observe animals carefully and recognize changes in health, behaviour, or welfare.
- Strong communication, teamwork, and guest service skills.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, policies, and safety procedures.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and flexible shifts as required.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work, including standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, lifting, carrying, and working around strong odours, allergens, animal waste, and cleaning chemicals.
- Successful completion of a criminal record check.
Preferred
- Professional husbandry experience with reptiles, amphibians, crocodilians, venomous reptiles, large constrictors, or other exotic animals in a zoo, aquarium, wildlife facility, veterinary clinic, or similar professional animal care setting.
- Experience delivering educational presentations, public demonstrations, or animal encounters.
- Experience using digital animal recordkeeping systems (eg. ZIMS, Tracks, Animal Care Software).
- First Aid/CPR certification.
- Practical skills related to habitat construction, exhibit maintenance, or minor repairs.
Working Conditions
This position involves working in an indoor zoological facility with exposure to live animals, animal waste, feeder insects and rodents, cleaning chemicals, high humidity, variable temperatures, strong odours, noise, and busy public areas. Zookeepers may be required to lift up to 50 lbs, work on ladders or step stools, kneel, crouch, bend, reach, and stand for extended periods.
This role requires availability on weekends, holidays, and during peak operating periods.
Success in this Position
A successful Zookeeper at Reptilia:
- Prioritizes animal welfare in every decision.
- Maintains high standards of cleanliness, safety, and professionalism.
- Notices small changes in animal health, behaviour, and environment.
- Follows protocols consistently, even during routine tasks.
- Communicates clearly and works well with others.
- Creates positive, educational guest experiences.
- Takes pride in contributing to a professional, welfare-focused animal care program.
Pay: $18.20 per hour
Work Location: In person
