Animal Care, Wildlife Conservation & Education

Hiring: Animal Care Staff
Organization: Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat
Work Location: Cochrane, Ontario

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for providing exceptional day-to-day care for our bears, presenting interpretive and educational public presentations and answering questions from visitors. Animal husbandry duties include, but are not limited to, cleaning of bear areas, enrichment items and food containers, feeding and behavioral training sessions, monitoring of overall animal health and participation in veterinary exams, and creation of enrichment items.

Facility & Operations Summary:

The Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat provides a home for bears which cannot survive on their own in the wild.

With approximately 24-acres of sub-arctic boreal forest, our bears enjoy natural substrates and vegetation, as well as a 10-acre spring-fed lake which provides a naturally occurring ice platform for 6 months of the year.

Our mission is to provide exceptional care, inspire through engagement and contribute to polar bear conservation projects.

The facility features a viewing building with observation deck, children’s playground, seasonal transient campsites and 1.5kms of walking trails throughout. Adjacent to The Habitat is the Cochrane Heritage Village, featuring 10+ unique heritage buildings from Cochrane’s past filled with historical artifacts, and a snowmobile museum, which also highlights Cochrane’s rich history.

https://www.polarbearhabitat.ca/

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides exceptional husbandry care to the bears in our care.
• Cleans, sanitizes, decorates, and enhances bear enclosures and holding areas.
• Observes the bears for any signs of illness or 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 virtual or in-person educational sessions for guests, both on-site and off-site.
• Guides tours and additional ‘experiences’ for guests.
• Maintains tools, equipment, supplies, and inventory and provides recommendations when necessary.
• Attends appropriate animal care courses as required.
• Participates in conservation and research projects.
• Assists in ensuring the general tidiness and upkeep of The Habitat.
• Plays an active role in upholding health and safety practices for both staff and bears.
• Other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

• The ideal candidate will possess a degree or diploma in zoology, biology, marine biology, animal science, veterinary technology or wildlife management.
• At least 1 year of work experience in an animal care or zoo environment is preferred.
• Proven experience in a safety sensitive animal care environment is a must.
• Must possess a demonstrated interest in and desire to work with and learn the proper care of animals in captivity and to make the public aware of conservation initiatives.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. French language skills are considered an asset.
• Must be able to meet the physical demands of the job, including the ability to lift up to 50lbs, frequent walking, standing, carrying and pushing, excellent motor skills and the ability to perform physically demanding manual tasks.
• Must be able and willing to work shifts on weekdays, weekends, and holidays, and be prepared to be called in on short notice.
• Must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions including heat, cold, snow and rain.
• Must be able to produce brief and accurate reports using Microsoft Office computer programs.
• Must be able to make independent decisions when handling situations involving animal care and/or public emergencies when necessary.
• Experience in handling firearms and firearm safety or a willingness to learn.

• Must possess a valid Ontario driver’s license or be willing to attain one.
• First Aid and CPR certified or willing to obtain.
• Valid Criminal Records Check or willing to obtain.

We encourage qualified candidates to email their resume and cover letter to: HR@cochraneontario.com on or before June 19th, 2026.

Please mention you saw this at rcen.ca or goodwork.ca.

Thank you for your interest.

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.