Seasonal Bush Camp & Program Assessment Group Leader at Toronto Zoo

, , -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

02 Apr, 26

Salary

19.45

Posted On

02 Jan, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Leadership, Organizational Skills, Communication, Team Management, Customer Service, Coaching, Training, Assessment, Evaluation, Conservation Knowledge, First Aid, CPR Certification, Attention to Detail, Problem Solving, Interpersonal Skills, Time Management

Industry

Museums;Historical Sites;and Zoos

Description

Department: Learning & Engagement Rate of Pay: $19.45 per hour Duration: Approx. May – 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 Seasonal Bush Camp & Program Assessment Group Leader is responsible for training, directing, and organizing staff (staff/supervisor liaison), generating and maintaining a cohesive, motivated team of guides, daily programming, and site preparation/readiness to ensure we provide an outstanding overnight experience. This position will also be responsible for assisting with Learning & Engagement assessment and evaluation of programs, experiences, and materials to ensure we are achieving or exceeding the targets and goals established. The Group Leader position will be a combination of office / administrative work and time spent on-site with the Guides providing coaching and feedback and support. This position will assist and provide support in implementing the Strategic Plan. CORE ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES: * DEVELOP, MAINTAIN, AND LEAD A TEAM OF GUIDES, AND DIRECT/ORGANIZE STAFF AS REQUIRED. * DEVELOP ROTATING STAFF SCHEDULES. * ACT AS A ROLE MODEL FOR OTHER STAFF (PUNCTUAL, ORGANIZED, TAKE ISSUES SERIOUSLY, BE PROFESSIONAL, PROVIDE AN OUTSTANDING CAMP EXPERIENCE FOR PARTICIPANTS). * ASSIST IN THE DAILY MONITORING OF BUSH CAMP GUIDES TO ENSURE A HIGH STANDARD OF WORK IS BEING MAINTAINED. * ENSURES THE BUSH CAMP SITE IS MAINTAINED TO A HIGH STANDARD AND PURCHASES ANY MATERIALS AS REQUIRED TO SUPPORT THE OPERATION. * PROVIDE DAILY/ONGOING COACHING TO BUSH CAMP GUIDES AND FEEDBACK TO THE SUPERVISOR(S). * CREATE TRAINING MANUAL AND TRAINING SCHEDULE OF BUSH CAMP GUIDES. * DELIVER A COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR STAFF. * OVERSEE THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUSH CAMP PROGRAMMING IN CONJUNCTION WITH A LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR, ENSURING THAT APPROPRIATE LEARNING OUTCOMES AND INDICATORS ARE ESTABLISHED AND THAT THE THEME IS CARRIED OUT THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER. * LIAISE WITH LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR AND STAFF IN OTHER DEPARTMENTS REGARDING PLANS FOR BEHIND-THE-SCENES, ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS, ZOOMOBILE, ETC. * COMMUNICATE WITH THE ZOO’S RETAIL DEPARTMENT TO MAINTAIN INVENTORY OF CAMP PRODUCTS AND THAT THE POS SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING APPROPRIATELY. * ASSIST IN TRAINING BUSH CAMP GUIDES IN POS AND CASH HANDLING PROTOCOL AND THAT MERCHANDISE STORAGE IS KEPT ORGANIZED. * ENSURE BUSH CAMP PRODUCTS ARE COUNTED AND ORGANIZED, AND THAT THE POS SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING APPROPRIATELY. * LIAISES WITH THE ZOO’S CATERER TO ENSURE APPROPRIATE COMMUNICATION OF MEALS TO BE PREPARED FOR THE PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS, AS WELL AS COMMUNICATING ANY SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS OR CONCERNS. * PRINTING OF ATTENDANCE SHEETS AND INPUTTING OF DAILY ATTENDANCE THROUGH THE REGISTRATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. * WORKING WITH THE LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT TEAM, DEVELOPS A ROBUST ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION PLAN TO DETERMINE IF THE LEARNING OUTCOMES AND INDICATORS ESTABLISHED FOR OUR VARIOUS PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES/MATERIALS ARE ACHIEVING THE INTENDED TARGETS (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ALL LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS, ZOO INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE, EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES, ETC.). * CARRIES OUT THE ASSESSMENT PLAN BY OBSERVING PROGRAMS, PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS, AND ZOO GUESTS, AND CARRYING OUT ACTIVE SURVEYS/QUESTIONNAIRES ETC. WITH PARTICIPANTS AND GUESTS AS APPROPRIATE. * COMPILES ALL ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION INTO REPORTS AND DOCUMENTS AND SHARES WITH THE LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT TEAM TO ENSURE WE ARE MEETINGS THE ESTABLISHED GOALS. * FOLLOW APPROPRIATE HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS, INCLUDING RECOGNIZING AND REPORTING ANY HAZARDS/CONCERNS. * COMPLETION OF A SATISFACTORY VULNERABLE SECTOR SEARCH REQUIRED. * FOLLOWS ALL POLICIES AND STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES. * ATTENDS APPROPRIATE TRAINING AS REQUIRED. * ASSISTS GUESTS ON-SITE AS REQUIRED AND ENSURES EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE IS PROVIDED BY TORONTO ZOO STAFF. * OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED BY SUPERVISOR OR THEIR DESIGNATE. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: * Must be enrolled in, or are a recent graduate of, post-secondary education, preferably in the education and/or biology field, or the equivalent amount of training and related experience. * Experience working with children in a learning environment. * Experience leading educational programs is preferred. * Demonstrated leadership experience while working with youth. * Must have proven organizational ability, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain accurate, up to date, and comprehensive records and statistics. * Must be able to work well independently and in a team. * Demonstrated knowledge of animal, plant, and conservation issues. * Experience and knowledge of interpretive teaching methods is an asset. * Standard First Aid & CPR “C” certification required. * Demonstrate an awareness of and commitment to sustainable practices. * Familiarity with the Zoo and its exhibits is 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. * Working knowledge of the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act and WHMIS legislation an asset. * Possess an unrestricted Class G driver’s license valid in the Province of Ontario along with a good driving record (preferred). * 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. * Well-developed interpersonal skills. * Ability to communicate effectively, in English, both written and verbal. 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 Group Leader is responsible for training and organizing staff, ensuring high standards of work, and maintaining the bush camp site. They will also assist in program assessment and evaluation to meet established goals.