Deadline to apply: February 12, 2026
APC - CUPE Local 500
Permanent, Full Time
About Assiniboine Park Zoo
Home to more than 150 animal species, the Assiniboine Park Zoo is a place for exploration and family fun in every season. Located in beautiful Assiniboine Park, the Zoo has been a favourite destination for families, tourists, school groups, and animal lovers for over a century.
Assiniboine Park Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. As an accredited, modern zoological organization, Assiniboine Park Zoo focuses on meeting and exceeding the ever rising standards of animal care and welfare, safety, and veterinary programs as well as demonstrating a commitment to education, conservation and research.
With over 80 acres to explore, the Zoo is open year-round with both indoor and outdoor exhibits, providing visitors with the opportunity to interact with animal species from all corners of the globe. Educational programs for adults and children, unique event venues, and special events and promotions combine to make the Zoo Winnipeg's premier outdoor attraction!
The Opportunity
The Animal Nutrition Supervisor is responsible for organizing materials and supervising staff to implement Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s animal nutrition program. The animal nutrition program must meet the quality standards of accredited zoological practices and falls under the direction of the Director, Animal Health and Nutrition.
The Animal Nutrition Supervisor will ensure high standards of maintenance and care for a diverse population of animals. Responsibilities include staff supervision, project implementation, food preparation, ordering and inventory for the Animal Nutrition Centre, record keeping, guest services and related duties as required. Collaboration and communication with other zoological departments, especially animal care and animal health teams, are critical aspects of this position.
The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a team of Animal Nutrition workers, Equipment Operators and Pest Control technicians. They will have input into the planning of animal diets and food preparation areas and will be required to maintain ongoing records of their designated work area. They will also ensure animal food preparation and food hygiene standards meet or exceed accreditation standards.
Responsibilities
- Preparation and provision of approved animal diets
- Receive and organize shipments of food and supplies
- Deliver diets or other items to areas of the Zoo & Leaf where they are required
- Coordinate approved diet adjustments for animals whose nutritional needs change due to hospitalization, in collaboration with and under the direction of the Animal Health/Veterinary team.
- Oversee procurement and inventory of specialized nutrition supplies, as required, to deliver approved animal diets to all animals in APC’s care.
- Coordinate timely nutrition plan adjustments related to new animal arrivals or quarantine requirements, in accordance with approved diet plans and veterinary direction.
- Develop and evaluate work methods and procedures, recommending changes as required to improve quality and efficiency
- Review and evaluate animal food, food preparation and service areas to ensure department conditions and appearance adhere to extraordinary expectations of APC
- Participate in the handling, storing and preparation of animal items and of the animal population as necessary to contribute to the team effort, monitor performance, determine effectiveness, and assess work routines
- Monitor inventory including expiration dates
- Establish work priorities and schedules
- Assist in the development and coordination of procedures and guidelines to address matters of safety, protocol, staff training and development, as well as animal care, health and welfare
- Process paperwork for orders, inventory, schedules, work routines, budgets, reports, work orders, graphics requests, leave requests, payroll, employee enrollment, etc. using Microsoft Office software products
- Coordinate the reporting and project implementation for maintenance needs in assigned section
- Organize and maintain up to date animal diet records for all species at the Zoo & Leaf
- Track and maintain inventory of animal diets and husbandry supplies to meet demands of Zoo & Leaf animal populations
- Maintain working relationship with numerous food and other suppliers providing items to Zoo
- Purchase items as needed under the direction of the Director, Animal Health and Nutrition
- Supervise animal nutrition team to meet the needs and requirements of an accredited zoological institution
- Demonstrate appropriate zoological practices and review effectiveness of staff performance to ensure adherence to approved procedures
- Participate in the selection process and make recommendations for candidates for vacancies
- Evaluate performance and quality of work of support staff, in collaboration with the Director, Animal Health & Nutrition, Veterinary Services, utilizing regular performance reviews aimed at encouraging employee growth and development
- Identify training needs of staff and create plans to retain and develop talent in technical and behavioral competencies
- Participate in the planning and implementation of animal nutrition training programs
Required Qualifications and Experience
- A post-secondary education certificate, diploma or degree in zoological science, wildlife management or a related field
- A minimum of ten years food handling or zoo experience in an accredited facility
- Food Handling Certification
- Must possess a valid Manitoba Class 5 Driver’s License
- Advanced technology and computer skills
- An equivalent combination of work experience and education may be considered
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
- Repetitive use of office equipment and computers
- Physically demanding and repetitive tasks
- Must be able to perform physically strenuous work indoors/outdoors in all types of weather
- Combination of standing, gripping/handling of tools, bending, squatting, pushing, lifting, kneeling, and walking for extended periods
- Frequently handling heavy loads of up to 45-50 lbs
- Must be able to push/pull 50-250 lbs
- Noise exposure from operations, mechanical equipment and animal vocalizations
- Exposure to strong scents from animals and chemical products
- Contact with plants, animals, food or chemicals which may cause allergic reactions
- Working with chopping/cutting equipment such as knives, food processors, and meat saws requires safety awareness
APC Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Assiniboine Park Conservancy is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. Employment Equity may be a factor in selection for this competition. Consideration will be given to Indigenous people, racialized minorities, women and persons with disabilities.
Accommodations are available upon request during the assessment and selection process.
