Department: Horticulture

Rate of Pay: $34.60 - $40.36 per hour

Duration: Starting ASAP - September 7, 2026 (Non-Permanent)

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

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, 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 24, 2026.

Position Purpose: The Seasonal/Casual Supervisor, in conjunction with the full time supervisor of Horticulture, oversees daily horticultural and landscape operations across assigned Zoo areas, ensuring high standards of plant health, site presentation, safety, and operational efficiency. The role provides frontline supervision to seasonal staff while supporting the delivery of sustainable, conservation-focused horticulture practices that are aligned with the Zoo’s Strategic Plan and guest experience expectations. This position will assist and provide support in implementing the Strategic Plan.

Core Role Responsibilities:

• Supervise seasonal staff assigned to the team, in coordination with the Horticulture Supervisor.
• Support all operational duties related to maintaining the Zoo grounds, including plant care, turf and garden bed upkeep, seasonal display installations, greenhouse and nursery operations, and support for food production and plant propagation areas.
• Collaborate with the Events Team to ensure events are supported and areas remain clean before, during, and after events.
• Coordinate adequate staffing coverage through effective scheduling of early and late shifts on weekdays and weekends.
• Assist the Director, Manager, and Supervisors by ensuring staff complete assigned tasks efficiently, safely, and on schedule.
• Ensure adherence to scheduled lunches and breaks.
• Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety readiness of the Horticulture building, sheds, outbuildings, and garage bays to meet Health & Safety standards.
• Monitor equipment condition; report repair or replacement needs and ensure supplies are replenished.
• Initiate and manage work orders as required, ensuring work orders are completed on time and the system is updated accordingly.
• Attend meetings as required. Schedule regular meetings with staff to discuss Zoo policies, safety talk and alignment to Zoo’s Strategic Plan.
• Operate Zoo vehicles to travel to various locations across Zoo grounds and offsite as required.
• Verify vehicle circle-check sheets daily to ensure vehicles deficiencies are documented and reported
• Work with the Transit staff to ensure repairs or servicing needs are completed promptly and properly.
• Monitor attendance and onsite presence of staff; verify final staff counts before the shift concludes.
• Complete and submit written shift reports as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by manager.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Must possess High School education or a Secondary School diploma.
• Must have post secondary education in a field that relates to horticulture, landscape grounds keeping industry, or have an equivalent amount of experience and related training.
• Must have 2 years related experience, including 1 year demonstrated experience providing leadership.
• Experience in a unionized environment is preferred.
• Candidate must be aware of the importance of customer service at the Toronto Zoo and be able to communicate this to seasonal staff.
• Must have a demonstrated ability to lead and supervise.
• Must be knowledgeable in the use of computerized programs and systems, including Microsoft Office 365.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, along with strong communications skills.
• Must have a working knowledge of the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act and WHMIS legislation.
• Must be able to work weekends, shifts and holidays.
• Must be able to deal with staff and public in a courteous and efficient manner.
• Must have basic knowledge of budget preparation and administration.
• Capable of meeting the physical demands of the position which includes, walking, frequent bending, lifting and carrying.

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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