Welfare Science Co-op

Department: Wildlife Science, Welfare Science

Rate of Pay: Unpaid student position as part of the Career Pathways Program

Duration: Approx. January-April 2026 (Non-Permanent)

Hours of Work: 40 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.

Apply Online by December 16, 2025.

Position Purpose: The Welfare Science Co-op Student is a trainee position assisting with new and ongoing research projects with your Toronto Zoo's Welfare Science Department. This position will assist and provide support in implementing the approved Strategic Plan.

Core Role Responsibilities:

• Assists team with day-to-day operations and ongoing behavioural monitoring projects as directed by supervisor.
• Assist with the collection, processing, and analysis of data.
• Assist in communicating results and their significance to relevant stakeholders using both oral and written means.
• Assist with any individual projects of interest in collaboration with Wildlife Science and Wildlife Care staff, under the guidance and direction of the Manager of Welfare Sciences and Supervisor of Behavioural Husbandry.
• Assist with the animal welfare assessment process and behavioural husbandry program initiatives.
• Assist with the development and delivery of education programs and materials related to welfare science programing to interested groups.
• Participate and engage in scheduled meetings and check-ins with supervisor to review goals, receive feedback, and discuss development opportunities.
• Provides regular updates to the supervisor.
• Ensures all accidents and hazards are reported to the supervisor immediately.
• Must adhere to all health and safety policies as outlined by the Zoo, including use of all proper PPE.
• Reports to the supervisor the absence of or any defect in any equipment or protective device that they are aware of and which may endanger themselves or another staff member.
• Reports to supervisor any contravention of the Ontario Health & Safety Act.
• Works in a safe manner at all times in compliance with Health & Safety, WHMIS, and Toronto Zoo policies and procedures. Performs all duties in compliance with industry standards including AZA, Occupational Health & Safety Act, legislated regulations, and recommended equipment/manufacturers guidelines.
• Follows all policies and branch instructions.
• Attends appropriate training as required.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Must be enrolled in a science program (university level) with an emphasis on zoology, biology, animal behaviour, psychology, animal welfare science or other relevant fields, or the equivalent amount of training and related experience.
• Must have a knowledge of conservation issues and the role of current technologies to monitor overall animal welfare.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Must possess a demonstrated interest to develop and implement research projects with supervision.
• Demonstrable experience in the evaluation of animal welfare and behaviour modification an asset.
• Practical experience with animal care and behavioural husbandry an asset.
• Public speaking skills and experience an asset.
• 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 proficient in the use of computerized programs and systems, including MS Word, Excel, E-mail and PowerPoint.
• 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.

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.

The 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.

The 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.

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