Casual Zoo School Teaching Assistant at Toronto Zoo

, , -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

02 Apr, 26

Salary

19.72

Posted On

02 Jan, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Biology, Zoology, Teaching, Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Curriculum Development, Conservation, First Aid, CPR, Student Administration, Assessment, Evaluation, Team Teaching, Environmental Awareness, Classroom Management, Public Speaking, Tour Guiding

Industry

Museums;Historical Sites;and Zoos

Description

Department: Learning & Engagement Rate of Pay: $19.72 per hour Duration: Approx. April – September 2026 (Non-Permanent) Hours of Work: 40 hours per week Number of Positions Open: 1 Looking for a career with a dynamic organization that is committed to protecting wildlife? We are interested in dedicated individuals who are positive, enthusiastic, and passionate about connecting people, animals, conservation science and traditional knowledge to fight extinction. Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well-being a priority in all operations and shows respect for all wildlife. Position Purpose: The Zoo School Teaching Assistant is responsible for assisting with the planning, preparation, and delivery of the Grade 11, University Level, Biology course at the Toronto Zoo School. This includes working closely with the Zoo School Teacher to ensure that an exceptional learning experience is created and delivered to a group of students, including incorporating special tours to various laboratories and behind-the-scenes tours to showcase the science and conservation programs at the Zoo as applicable to the biology curriculum. Zoo School students participate in this course as a group of 18 students that attend in a condensed summer school format over four weeks, with two sessions occurring each summer (July and August). This position will assist and provide support in implementing the Strategic Plan. CORE ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES: * ASSIST WITH THE DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY OF THE ZOO SCHOOL GRADE 11 BIOLOGY PROGRAM INCLUDING: * DEVELOPING LESSON PLANS AS RELATED TO SBI3U CURRICULUM. * UPDATING PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED LESSON PLANS. * CREATE EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING TOOLS. * PHOTOCOPYING AND COLLATING ACTIVITIES FOR THE ZOO SCHOOL TEACHER. * ASSIST WITH THE DELIVERY OF ZOO SCHOOL LESSONS, INCLUDING TEAM TEACHING, INDEPENDENT DELIVERY OF LESSONS, AND PROVIDING COVERAGE FOR THE CLASS IN THE ABSENCE OF THE ZOO SCHOOL TEACHER. * ASSIST WITH AND LEAD ON-SITE TOURS AND BEHIND-THE SCENES TOURS. * COVER ZOO SCHOOL TEACHER’S LUNCH BREAK AS REQUIRED. * ASSIST STUDENTS WITH THEIR WORK, INCLUDING PROVIDING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLANS. * ASSIST WITH ASSESSMENT, EVALUATION, AND REPORTING OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT, FOLLOWING THE PRACTICES ESTABLISHED IN GROWING SUCCESS. * ASSIST WITH DAILY STUDENT ADMINISTRATION CONSISTENT WITH SCHOOL OPERATIONS, INCLUDING MANAGING REGISTRATIONS, DAILY ATTENDANCE, INCIDENT REPORTING, ETC. * LIAISE WITH PARENTS/LEGAL GUARDIANS OF STUDENTS AS REQUIRED. * FOLLOWS ALL POLICIES AND BRANCH INSTRUCTIONS. * ATTENDS APPROPRIATE TRAINING AS REQUIRED. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: * Must be a recent graduate of university with a focus in biology, zoology, or related field, or the equivalent amount of training and related experience. * Be enrolled in or a recent graduate of a Bachelor of Education program preferred, or equivalent knowledge and experience. * Intermediate/Senior qualification preferred. * Teachable in Biology/General Science preferred. * Have experience teaching in biology/zoology/environment subjects, preferably at the secondary level. * Have demonstrable knowledge of animal, plant, and conservation issues. * Demonstrate an awareness of and commitment to the environment and sustainable practices. * Standard First Aid & CPR “C” certification preferred. * Must ensure all applicable licenses and certificates remain valid and in good standing. Copies of licenses and certificates to be provided at time of hire and upon renewal. * Well-developed interpersonal skills, along with strong communications skills. * Working knowledge of the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act and WHMIS legislation an asset. * Preferred to possess an unrestricted Class G driver’s license valid in the Province of Ontario, along with a good driving record. * Must be knowledgeable in the use of computerized programs and systems. * Must be able to work weekends, shifts and holidays as scheduled. * Must be able to deal with staff and public in a courteous and efficient manner. * Capable of meeting the physical requirements of the position. While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate may be required to provide a police reference check and/or driver’s abstract, at their own expense as a condition of employment. Candidates may be required to take a written and/or practical examination relevant to the position. YOUR TORONTO ZOO VALUES THE IMPORTANCE OF INCLUSIVE RECRUITMENT PRACTICES AND STRIVES TO CREATE A WORKPLACE THAT REFLECTS AND CELEBRATES THE RICH DIVERSITY OF OUR CITY. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU REQUIRE SPECIFIC ACCOMMODATIONS TO BE IN PLACE BEFORE YOU BEGIN THE INTERVIEW PROCESS. YOUR TORONTO ZOO RESPECTS THE PRINCIPLES OF EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AND SEEKS TO MODEL THESE PRINCIPLES IN ALL THAT WE DO. WE ARE COMMITTED TO FOSTERING AN INCLUSIVE WORKFORCE WHERE ALL EMPLOYEES FEEL RESPECTED, SUPPORTED AND VALUED. WE STRIVE TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT REPRESENTS THE RICH DIVERSITY OF OUR GUESTS AND OUR COMMUNITY AND ENCOURAGE APPLICATIONS FROM ALL QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WHO CAN CONTRIBUTE TO ENHANCING OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION. APPLICATIONS ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED FROM RACIALIZED PERSONS/PERSONS OF COLOUR, INDIGENOUS/ABORIGINAL PEOPLE OF NORTH AMERICA, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, LGBTQ2S+ PERSONS, AND WOMEN. YOUR TORONTO ZOO MAKES ANIMAL WELL-BEING A PRIORITY IN EVERYTHING WE DO, RESPECTING WILDLIFE, CARING FOR OUR TEAM, GUEST AND COMMUNITY. WE ARE A WELCOMING PLACE TO VISIT, VOLUNTEER, AND WORK, UNITED BY A SHARED COMMITMENT TO CONSERVATION, CONNECTION, AND RECONCILIATION. WE BLEND SCIENCE AND TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE TO PROTECT SPECIES AND THEIR HABITATS, AND WE INVITE OTHERS TO JOIN US AS GUARDIANS OF WILD, ACTING TOGETHER TO ENSURE WILDLIFE AND WILD SPACES THRIVE. THIS JOB POSTING IS FOR AN EXISTING VACANCY WITHIN OUR ORGANIZATION. YOUR TORONTO ZOO USES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO SCREEN, ASSESS OR SELECT APPLICANTS. JOIN OUR TALENT COMMUNITY Stay in-the-know about great career opportunities at your Toronto Zoo. Join our Talent Community and stay connected [https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=6bc020f1-8e3a-4ed0-afc7-34ff5157fca2&ccId=19000101_000001⟨=en_CA]

Responsibilities

The Zoo School Teaching Assistant assists with the planning, preparation, and delivery of the Grade 11 Biology course, ensuring an exceptional learning experience for students. Responsibilities include developing lesson plans, assisting with on-site tours, and supporting students with their work.