Zoo Experiences Program Manager

Job Description - Zoo Experiences Program Manager (54054)# Job Description| | || | || Zoo Experiences Program Manager Permanent Job Number : 54054 As a Program Manager, you will strategically coordinate the delivery of welcoming and inclusive visitor experiences including programs and events for the Edmonton Valley Zoo. A significant part of your role involves overseeing a robust Volunteer Services program. You will act as a key collaborator, working with various internal and external partners to align facility offerings with community needs. Your work directly impacts revenue and customer retention, ensuring these vital public spaces thrive. Ultimately, you are responsible for the overall performance of initiatives set by the branch and section.

• Research, plan, and coordinate the implementation and evaluation of admission, visitor experiences, and registered programs.
• Develop market plan processes, annual budgets, manage financial variances, and strategies to enhance revenue.
• Build and lead a cohesive team through innovative recruitment, coaching, and performance evaluation.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and community partners and external organizations to ensure successful program delivery.
• Research traveling exhibits and service providers and develop business cases to support external animation at the Zoo
• Review trends in attractions and education to make recommendations for future development and facility growth.
• Ensure programming and animation adheres to Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, and Alberta Museums Association accreditation standards
• Provide professional advice and direction to internal and external clients in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of programs and interpretation within the branch
• Establish and maintain an inventory of all materials, equipment and resources within the Unit
• Research grant and sponsorship sources and opportunities to assist in the costs of program and service delivery, as well as managing grant projects in an effective and timely manner
• Ensure all health, safety, and security procedures (OH&S and ENVISO) are strictly followed across all sites
• Perform related work as required Qualifications :
• University Degree in Business, Education, Recreation Administration, Science, or a related specialized field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in program development, staff management, and customer experience enhancement, and volunteer management of a similar scope and scale (managing approximately 1,200 volunteers across multiple locations)
• Skills required for success :
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills to effectively lead diverse teams.
• Excellent negotiation and facilitation skills for working with internal service providers and community partners.
• Proven ability to recruit, train, provide leadership and supervise subordinates
• Sound knowledge of processes for conducting needs assessments and developing, implementing and evaluating programs
• Demonstrated experience in budget management, financial planning, and securing grants or sponsorships.
• Must be able to show, through experience, an attentiveness to deadlines and an ongoing creative approach to programming
• Ability to respond to difficult situations, manage conflict, and problem-solve creatively.
• Strong technical writing ability for creating business plans and strategic reports.
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies ()
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion.
• Conditions of Employment :
• Hire is dependent upon a Criminal Record Check satisfactory to the City of Edmonton.
• Valid Intermediate First Aid and CPR Level C is a requirement of this position.
• Applicants will be required to arrange their own transportation and where appropriate will be reimbursed in accordance with City of Edmonton policy. This may require the applicant to obtain business auto insurance
• Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's license (or provincial equivalent)
• Work Environment :
• You will be exposed to various environments depending on the facility, which may include extreme temperatures, humidity, or proximity to animals.
• The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton / Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement and the incumbent will be notified in advance The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits
• Up to 1 permanent full-time position
• Hours of Work :
• 33.75 hours
• Salary Range :
• $44.283 - $55.601 (Hourly); $78,015.58 - $97,955.06 (Annually)
• Recruitment Consultant :
• JP / JR
• Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.
• Classification Title : Recreation Officer II Posting Date : Dec 21, 2025 Closing Date : Jan 12, 2026 11 : 59 : 00 PM (MST) Number of Openings (up to) : 1 - Permanent Full-time Union : CSU 52 Department : Community Recreation and Culture Work Location(s) : Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road (87 Ave) Edmonton T5R 5R1 |
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