Department: Career Pathways Program, Human Resources

Rate of Pay: $18.03 per hour

Duration: 14 weeks, approx. June-September 2026 (Non-Permanent)

Hours of Work: Up to 37.5 hours per week (including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the program)

Number of Positions Open: 4

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 April 21, 2026.

Position Purpose: The Climate Action Learning and Leadership (CALL) Program supports individuals from equity-deserving groups by creating career pathways in conservation, environmental education, and climate action. CALL to Educate interns will join a peer cohort and explore a variety of departments across the Zoo, gaining exposure to the wide range of roles that support conservation, education, and animal care. They will also gain hands-on experience with the Zoo’s Learning & Engagement department, where they will assist camp counsellors during designated times of the day. In this role, interns will support camp activities, help ensure camper safety, and contribute to a positive camp experience, while engaging campers through educational and interactive programming. Through this experience, interns will develop professional skills such as communication, teamwork, organization, and public engagement, while building awareness of wildlife conservation and climate action. This position will assist and provide support in implementing our Zoo’s current Strategic Plan.

Core Role Responsibilities:

• Explore and learn about various Zoo departments and the diverse roles that support conservation, education, and animal care. Develop transferable skills such as leadership, public speaking, and teaching through hands-on experience supporting summer camp operations. Some activities may involve lifting and bending.
• Assist camp counsellors during designated times of the day by helping to support camp programming as needed to ensure camper safety and wellbeing, adhering to Toronto Zoo policies and procedure, and engage campers in educational and interactive activities.
• Support the development and delivery of activities that help children learn about climate change, wildlife, and conservation in engaging and age-appropriate ways.
• Provide a memorable and fun camp experience through positive and upbeat interaction with the children.
• Complete reports/ paperwork/ administrative duties, ensuring essential information is communicated with Group Leaders/ Supervisors as required.
• 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.
• Develop leadership and communication skills by engaging Zoo guests, members, and community participants in conversations about conservation and climate action, using interpretive methods.
• With support from the CALL team, generate content for social media posts based on internship experiences and participate in social media initiatives to help raise awareness and engagement around conservation.
• With assistance from the CALL team, contribute to the planning or delivery of educational programs, events, or outreach activities that promote conservation learning.
• Complete a project focused on climate action or conservation and prepare a written report showcasing the knowledge and skills gained during the internship.
• Participate in program surveys and other program impact assessments. Demonstrate excellent customer service in all interactions with camp participants, Zoo guests, staff, volunteers, and members of the community.
• Engage campers, program participants, and Zoo guests in a creative, inclusive, and respectful manner.
• Follow appropriate health & safety protocols and Zoo policies, including recognizing and reporting hazards or concerns and participating in required training.
• Follow all policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Attend appropriate training as required.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Must have completed high school, OSSD, or equivalent.
• Previous successful work or volunteer experience preferred.
• Basic knowledge or interest in climate change, wildlife conservation, environmental education, or related topics.
• Interest in education, youth programming, or camp counsellor roles, with enthusiasm for engaging children in learning activities.
• Demonstrated ability to support and participate in educational or recreational activities for children and youth in a camp or group setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently and in a team environment.
• Demonstrate an awareness of and commitment to sustainable practices.
• Ability to share and present information with guests and community in a courteous manner.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, along with strong communications skills.
• Working knowledge of the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act and WHMIS legislation an asset.
• This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a valid Police Record Check as a condition of ongoing employment at the applicable level.
• Must be knowledgeable in the use of computerized programs and systems as well as an interest in learning social media platforms.
• Must be able to work weekends, shifts and holidays as scheduled.
• Capable of meeting the physical requirements of the position.

This position is funded by the following grants: NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) PromoScience Program and CASC (Canadian Association of Science Centres) Action to Impact Funding Program. As a condition of the CASC Action to Impact Funding Program, applicants must be between 18 and 21 years old at the time of hire. We welcome applications from candidates who meet this eligibility requirement.

In our ongoing commitment to supporting a diverse workforce, applications are particularly encouraged from those who belong to the Government of Canada’s employment equity designated groups: women, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis), persons with disabilities and members of racialized groups/members of racialized communities. Applicants from other traditionally marginalized communities (i.e., 2SLGBTQ+) are also encouraged to apply. We are committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities to fully participate in the recruitment process.

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.

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