Seasonal Leader in Nature Conservation at Toronto Zoo

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Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

02 Apr, 26

Salary

17.6

Posted On

02 Jan, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Animal Care, Education, Interpretive Programming, Public Speaking, Teamwork, Organizational Skills, Customer Service, Environmental Awareness, Record Keeping, First Aid, Communication, Knowledge of Wildlife, Gardening, Health and Safety Protocols, Volunteer Coordination, Engagement Activities

Industry

Museums;Historical Sites;and Zoos

Description

Department: Learning & Engagement Rate of Pay: $17.60 per hour Duration: Approx. May – September 2026 (Non-Permanent) Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week Number of Positions Open: 2 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 Leader in Nature Conservation is responsible for creating and implementing engaging interpretive encounters, and immersive nature activities for Zoo Camp participants, using ambassador animals and natural areas within the Zoo, greatly adding to the value of the Camp experience by connecting children with nature. Also responsible for the set-up, care, maintenance, and handling (where appropriate) of a variety of animals in the Education Portable and Backyard Wildlife Kiosk of the Kids Zoo, including completion of monthly and daily keeper reports and collaborating with Wildlife Care/veterinary staff to ensure the health and well-being of these animals. Other areas of responsibility include but are not limited to: delivering engaging before/after-hours educational programs for families; creating and implementing “close encounter” animal presentations for school workshops/special needs groups; working closely with Volunteering & Engagement staff to ensure the appropriate display and interpretation of live exhibits in the Backyard Wildlife kiosk. This position will assist and provide support in implementing the Strategic Plan. CORE ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES: * CREATE AND PRESENT SPECIFIC THEME-RELATED, AGE-APPROPRIATE, AND ENGAGING INTERPRETIVE ENCOUNTERS FOR ZOO CAMP PARTICIPANTS, SCHOOL GROUPS, AND SPECIAL NEEDS GROUPS USING AMBASSADOR ANIMALS. * THROUGH POSITIVE AND UPBEAT INTERACTION WITH THE CHILDREN, CREATE AND FACILITATE FUN, INTERACTIVE, AND IMMERSIVE FIELD / NATURE ACTIVITIES FOR ZOO CAMP PARTICIPANTS (E.G. BUG HUNTS, AQUATIC STUDIES, ETC.). * WORKING WITH DIRECTION FROM VARIOUS ZOO STAFF, SET-UP DISPLAYS, CARE FOR, AND MAINTAIN AMBASSADOR ANIMALS IN THE EDUCATION PORTABLE, INCLUDING REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS, AND INVERTEBRATES. * SET-UP, CARE FOR, AND MAINTAIN ENGAGING LIVE INVERTEBRATE DISPLAYS FOR THE VOLUNTEER-OPERATED BACKYARD WILDLIFE KIOSK AND LIVE INVERTEBRATE AQUARIUM IN THE ZOO’S WETLANDS KIOSK. INCLUDES PROVIDING BACKGROUND INTERPRETIVE INFORMATION TO AID ZOO VOLUNTEERS IN INTERPRETING THESE DISPLAYS TO THE PUBLIC. * COMPLETE AND MAINTAIN ACCURATE RECORDS ON DAILY & MONTHLY KEEPER REPORTS. * COORDINATE AND DELIVER UNIQUE, ENGAGING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, INCLUDING BEFORE/ AFTER-HOURS, FOR FAMILIES/GROUPS ON VARIOUS DATES, BOTH IN PERSON AND/OR VIRTUAL. * DESIGN, PLANT, AND MAINTAIN GARDENS/PLANTERS AROUND BACKYARD WILDLIFE KIOSK. * FOLLOW APPROPRIATE HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS, INCLUDING RECOGNIZING AND REPORTING ANY HAZARDS/ CONCERNS. * REGULAR CLEANING OF THE WORK AREA TO ENSURE IT EXCEEDS CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS AND TO ENSURE HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES ARE ADHERED TO, INCLUDING PICKING UP GARBAGE, WIPING HIGH TOUCH SURFACES, AND CLEANING WASHROOMS. * FOLLOWS ALL POLICIES AND BRANCH INSTRUCTIONS. * 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 biology and/or education field, or the equivalent amount of training and related experience. * Previous experience and demonstrated ability to care for, maintain, and handle reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates to a high standard. * Demonstrated ability to create and present engaging interpretive programming to children and families. * Demonstrated knowledge of plants / animals / conservation issues, plus the ability to pass this information along to others. * Knowledge of local habitats and wildlife is an asset. * Demonstrated awareness of and commitment to environmental practices. * Knowledge of the Toronto Zoo and its exhibits is an asset. * Must be able to work well independently and in a team. * Must have proven organizational ability, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive records. * 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. * Ability to communicate effectively, in English, both written and verbal. * 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 available to work various shifts including, but not limited to, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and 1:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Evening work is required.) * Must be able to deal with staff and public in a courteous and efficient manner. * Must be capable of meeting the physical requirements of the position. * 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 Seasonal Leader in Nature Conservation is responsible for creating and implementing engaging interpretive encounters and immersive nature activities for Zoo Camp participants. This includes caring for ambassador animals and delivering educational programs for families and school groups.