Department: AI and Analytics

Duration: Full time (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 October 22, 2025.

Position Purpose: The Data Scientist will play a critical subject matter expert role in transforming data into strategic assets for the organization. This role involves the execution and management of advanced data preparation and analysis projects, including machine learning and predictive modelling, to drive business decisions and optimize operations across the Toronto Zoo. The Data Scientist will contribute to shaping the organization’s data strategy and advancing its data science capabilities by leading complex data projects that require deep technical expertise and innovative problem-solving in areas of data collection, transformation, analysis and data visualization to support data-driven decision-making. This position will assist and provide support in implementing the Strategic Plan.

Core Role Responsibilities:

• Establishing, maintaining and improving cohesive datasets suitable for advanced analytics and machine learning initiatives, leveraging feature engineering and other appropriate approaches to improve data model quality and performance.
• Conceptualizing, building, and rolling-out machine learning and artificial intelligence models by selecting or developing appropriate algorithms, preparing large and complex datasets, and tuning parameters to uncover patterns and predict outcomes.
• Developing scenario simulations that assess potential impacts of various business decisions by layering data and applying advanced statistical techniques including classification, clustering, and regression.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to define key business problems and ensure analytical models are tailored to address strategic priorities and opportunities.
• Optimizing analytical models and tools through iterative testing and validation to ensure accuracy, scalability, and relevance to organizational objectives.
• Integrating predictive models into operational systems to automate insights delivery and enable data-driven decision-making at scale.
• Staying informed of advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence, proposing innovations and enhancements to analytics capabilities that align with the organization’s objectives

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Minimum three years of experience in quantitative and qualitative research, applied data and statistical analysis, performance measurement, predictive and exploratory modelling, data mining, transformation, management and visualization, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably in the public sector.
• Advanced experience with relational databases, data warehousing, and ETL processes.
• Extensive experience with utilizing data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and programming languages (e.g., Python, R) for data science.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Computing) and big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, NoSQL) is highly desirable.
• Advanced knowledge of concepts and best practices for data science, data repositories, data modelling, data quality, information management and information technology.
• Advanced knowledge of SQL, Python, R, and other relevant programming languages.
• Knowledge of machine learning algorithms and libraries such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow, and Keras2.
• Working knowledge of project management concepts and methodology.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills with a strategic mindset, especially in working with large volumes of data to answer/address business questions and challenges without a straightforward answer.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively present and communicate findings and recommendations to diverse groups of stakeholders at all levels.
• Results-oriented self-starter with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple time-sensitive priorities and adapt to and champion change.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise appropriate discretion when accessing, analyzing, presenting and sharing sensitive and/or confidential data and information.
• 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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