Seasonal Zoo Camp Counsellor 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

Education, Biology, Working With Children, Teamwork, Animal Knowledge, Conservation Issues, Interpretive Teaching, Sustainability Awareness, Communication Skills, First Aid, Health And Safety, Customer Service, Administrative Skills, Positive Interaction, Nature Exploration, Cleaning

Industry

Museums;Historical Sites;and Zoos

Description

Department: Learning & Engagement Rate of Pay: $17.60 per hour Duration: Approx. June – September 2026 (Non-Permanent) Hours of Work: 40 hours per week Number of Positions Open: 28 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 Zoo Camp Counsellor is responsible for leading Zoo Camp, which is an educational day camp held in weekly sessions for children ages 4-16. Through a variety of exciting topics for different age groups we aim to provide lots of fun through activities and nature-related engagement, maintaining educational value in a positive and friendly environment. This position will assist and provide support in implementing the Strategic Plan. CORE ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES: * Under the guidance of the Learning & Engagement Coordinator for Zoo Camp, plan and deliver Zoo Camp programming, based on weekly themes. * Provide a memorable and fun camp experience through positive and upbeat interaction with the children that includes, tours of the Zoo, behind-the-scenes visits, singing, activities/games, crafts, nature exploration, etc. * Ensure camper safety and wellbeing, adhering to Toronto Zoo policies and procedures. * In collaboration with Group Leaders/ Supervisors, communicate with parents to ensure an overall positive camp experience for each child in your care. * Complete reports/ paperwork/ administrative duties, ensuring essential information is communicated with Group Leaders/ Supervisors as required. * Share conservation messaging in an engaging way, using interpretive methods. * Inspire sustainability awareness and actions. * 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 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 camp atmosphere. * Experience leading educational programs is preferred. * Must be able to work well in a team. * Demonstrate knowledge of animal, plant, and conservation issues. * Experience and knowledge of interpretive teaching methods is an asset. * Demonstrate an awareness of and commitment to sustainable practices. * Familiarity with the Zoo and its exhibits is preferred. * Standard First Aid & CPR “C” certification required. * 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. * 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. * 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 Zoo Camp Counsellor is responsible for planning and delivering Zoo Camp programming, ensuring a fun and educational experience for children. They will also ensure camper safety and well-being while communicating with parents and completing necessary administrative duties.