Toronto Zoo

Seasonal Guest Operations: Wild Encounters

Branch: Guest Operations

Rate of Pay: $17.20 per hour

Duration: Approx. March 1 2025-September 1 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 Guest Operations, Wild Encounters is responsible for leading tours and interacting with the public. As a Wild Encounter tour guide, our guests will appreciate your good nature, exceptional service standards and safe and efficient driving skills as you lead them behind the scenes and educate them on the animals in our care and the work we do at the Toronto Zoo. This position will assist and provide support in implementing the Strategic Plan.

Responsibilities:

  • Delivering conservation messaging and unique wild encounter experiences for small groups with varying age ranges.
  • Working with Wildlife Care staff to maintain exhibits in preparation of booked tours and guest experiences.
  • Engaging with guests to promote the Wild Encounter Experiences at various venues and events.
  • Tour Preparation, conduct tour surveys, prepare tour scripting and answer all guest inquiries.
  • Create, prepare and deliver Animal Enrichment items for on-site events (Animal Birthdays, Special events, Holidays)
  • Follows all policies and branch instructions.
  • Promote Wild Encounters to guests onsite and sell tickets for Wild Encounters.
  • Report upon animal behaviors and animals’ welfare concerns in line with all Zoo and AZA policy.
  • Attends appropriate training as required.

Qualifications:

  • Must be enrolled in, or recent graduate of, post-secondary education, preferably in biology or other animal related field, or the equivalent amount of training and related experience.
  • Experience working with and strong knowledge of animals, plants and conservation initiatives.
  • Strong customer service skills.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of and commitment to sustainable practices.
  • Previous experience providing interpretation, including public speaking.
  • Have experience working with a variety of age groups in an outdoor setting.
  • Able to work well with others in a team environment but also independently when required.
  • Police Reference Check is required (upon offer of employment).
  • 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.
  • Capable of meeting the physical requirements of the position.

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.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within our organization.

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