Calgary Humane Society

May 2022 Employer Spotlight

Calgary Humane Society

The Youth Employment Centre asked the Calgary Humane Society to answer a few questions about their organization. 

How long have you been in business? 

We are celebrating our 100th birthday this year! 

How many locations do you have in Calgary and nationally/internationally? What locations are hiring locally in Calgary and area?

Just one location in south Calgary, is currently hiring. 

How many people does your organization employ? How many locally?  

Approximately 110 people (70 full-time, 40 part-time and casual)

What type of positions do you offer?  (ex. Full time, part time, seasonal, contract etc.)

Full-time, part-time, seasonal 

What are the benefits of working for your company? Staff discounts, incentive programs, scholarships etc.

Full-time employees (those who work 36+ hours per week) are entitled to full benefits:

• 100% employer paid health and dental for the employee and their dependent(s)

• 50% employer paid AD&D and Life Insurance ‘

• Employee paid short term and long term disability benefits 

• Matching RRSP/RPP after one year of employment 

• 2 weeks vacation to start (3 weeks after one year of employment), 10 sick days, 2 Wellness Days 

All employees are entitled to:

• Employee and Family Assistance Program 

• Reduced counseling rate of $75/hr 

• Staff discounts on pet adoptions and cost + 10% on pet supplies 

• For 2022 in recognition of our 100th birthday, paid day off on your birthday 

Last year the Calgary Humane Society also formed our first Mental Health Committee with a focus on implementing the National Standard of Canada to support a psychologically safe workplace. 

Describe opportunities for advancement. 

Due to the number of departments and programs CHS offers there are many opportunities for learning and advancement. We encourage job shadowing in other departments for employees to learn more about what their colleagues do.  We have several staff who spend their time working in multiple departments. 

List any corporate responsibility initiatives that your organization is currently involved in. 

None that we are involved in, however we host many corporate groups at CHS for group volunteer opportunities.

How would someone find out about opportunities at your company? How can a candidate apply? 

All of our available career opportunities are listed on our website here: https://www.calgaryhumane.ca/get-involved/career/ 

Interested candidates can email their cover letter and resume to careers@calgaryhumane.ca 

Describe your hiring and interview process?  

For some roles we will host group interviews with the Team Lead and a Manager, other roles would be one on one interviews with the Team Lead and a Manager.  For the roles that work hands on with animals, if the candidate is selected to move forward in the interview process, we may ask them to come in for a working interview to learn more about the job and what it’s like to work at CHS.  We will then check references and extend an offer. 

What do you look for in an employee?

We look for employees who first and foremost love to serve people and are team players through and through.  Because CHS is a community-based organization that serves members of the public to fulfill our mission, “to help as many animals as we can”, it is important that people who are seeking a career at CHS have an interest in supporting members of the community through their role at CHS. 

CHS’ culture statement is: 

“We take pride in fostering a culture where our interactions embody our values in order to create an open, inclusive, creative and supportive environment. Teams work collaboratively to achieve the goals of the organization and we consistently demonstrate care and kindness towards one another. Communication is constructive and respectful thus promoting an environment of trust, curiosity and cooperation. Team members are proud of the work they do, their contributions are valued and they understand the importance of the role they play in fulfilling the CHS mission”.

What type of education/training/equipment do you require? 

This depends on the role but the minimum level of education for an entry-level position is a high school diploma.  For frontline roles who work hands on with the animals, we give preference to candidates who have previous volunteer or professional experience working with animals. 

What is the minimum age required to work for your company? Are there different age requirements for different positions?

There is no minimum age so long as they meet the requirements of the role. 

Provide a wage range for entry level positions.

Entry level positions start at $16.00/hour.  Part-time employees receive 6% vacation pay and salaried employees receive paid time off. 

What are the hours of the business and general shift times? Are there a minimum number of hours someone needs to work per week? Is there flexibility regarding school schedules?

Shifts are varied.  Our Animal Care Attendants start their days at 6:30 a.m. to ensure all of the animals are checked on and fed first thing in the morning.  Other positions start anywhere between 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.  Some positions work a condensed workweek of 4 days on, 3 days off, and other roles work 5 days on, 2 days off.  CHS is open 7 days a week and also requires staffing during statutory holidays so individuals who have the flexibility to work days, weekends, and evenings are preferred.  Flexibility regarding school schedules is best suited to casual employees who can accept/decline shifts when coverage is needed. 

Is a uniform provided or do employees have to pay for it?

CHS will pay for employee’s uniforms. 

For more information about the Calgary Humane Society please visit their website here.