Seasonal Leader in Nature Conservation

**Branch: Learning & Engagement**
**Rate of Pay: $17.20 per hour**
**Duration: Approx. April 2025-September 2025 (Non-Permanent)**
**Hours of Work: 40 hours per week**

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 Seasonal Leader in Nature Conservation is responsible for creates and implements 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; create and implement “close encounter” animal presentations for school workshops/special needs groups; work 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.

**Responsibilities**:

- Create and Present specific theme-related, age-appropriate, and engaging interpretive encounters for Zoo Camp participants, schools, and special needs groups using ambassador animals.
- Through positive and upbeat interaction with the children, create and facilitate a 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.

**Qualifications**:

- 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, along with strong communications 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