Manager, Welfare Science

**Branch: Welfare Science**

**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, and conservation science to fight extinction. Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well-being a priority in all operations and shows respect for all wildlife.

**Basic Function**:
The Manager, Welfare Science, oversees activities aimed at assessing and improving the welfare of Zoo animals and contributing to knowledge about exotic animal welfare in human care. This position manages behavioural husbandry programmes for environmental enrichment and operant conditioning training and contributes to the development of Zoo animal welfare philosophy and policy, and initiates research to assess and improve the welfare of Zoo animals. This position will assist and provide support in implementing the Strategic Plan.

**Core Role Responsibilities**:

- Consults, coordinates and works closely with all staff of the Wildlife Science division in animal husbandry and health care management.
- Works with Wildlife & Science staff to develop and implement individual welfare plans and to coordinate welfare monitoring to promote positive welfare states in all species held at the Zoo.
- Establishes and oversees implementation of animal welfare programmes including behavioural husbandry, enrichment and training programs.
- Establishes animal welfare as a component in all conservation activities and projects.
- Assesses the Toronto Zoo’s animal welfare programs and ensures they meet the accreditation standards of CAZA, AZA and comply with other standards prescribed by relevant regulatory agencies.
- Contributes to the development of zoo animal welfare philosophy and policy.
- Works with Zoo staff in planning species-specific animal welfare requirements as primary criteria for exhibit designs and upgrades and assessing the husbandry requirements of the collection.
- Consults with other staff to establish policies and procedures for the proper care of animals.
- Consults with and advises staff and the public on welfare issues.
- Participates in public facing activities, such as tours, presentations, media interviews, and special events.
- Develops and conducts keeper and volunteer training and organizes education programs for the staff, public and outside agencies.
- Contributes to the development of strategic and master plans that reflect animal welfare priorities.
- Undertakes and publishes original research on matters relevant to the welfare of zoo animals.
- Prepares and reviews research proposals related to their special field. Shares results of research through publication of scientific and popular articles.
- Oversees the interviewing, selection, development, evaluation and control of all assigned permanent and non-permanent staff, and graduate students as appropriate.
- Maintains close liaison with scientific and research staff of other organizations, participates in international conservation and research efforts, and institutional representative for selected committees and programs that pertain to animal welfare.
- Prepares and administers annual budget for the unit and certain project accounts, including the selection and acquisition of materials, equipment and supplies for the collection.

**Qualifications**:

- Must have a post graduate degree from a recognized institution in an appropriate area of the Biological Sciences and demonstrated expertise in zoology, animal behaviour, or a closely related discipline, or the equivalent combination of training and related experience.
- Must have 5-7 years progressive related experience, 2 at the supervisory level.
- Must have experience in the field of animal behaviour, welfare science or a related field.
- Experience in a unionized environment is preferred.
- Demonstrated background in animal welfare research.
- Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of animal behaviour research preferred.
- Experience in animal care and the management of a collection and a working knowledge of its natural history is preferred.
- Experience conducting research in a zoo setting is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience with environmental enrichment and operant conditioning techniques.
- Ability to prepare research papers, reports, and give formal presentations to groups and individuals.
- A proven ability to effectively lead and motivate staff and to lead work teams.
- Possess experience in the preparation and administration of an operating budget.
- Must be knowledgeable in the use of computerized programs and systems, including Microsoft Office 365.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills, along with strong communications skills including excellent writing skills and the ability to speak confidently in public.
- Must have a working knowledge of the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act and WHMIS legislatio