Team: Indigenous Relations

Rate of Pay: $18.60 per hour

Category: Seasonal (Non-Permanent)

Duration: 8 weeks

Hours of Work: 37.5 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 June 11, 2026.

Position Purpose: The Indigenous Relations Outreach Assistant is responsible for developing and delivering fun and engaging programs and activities to guests and Indigenous youth camp participants to support in implementing the Strategic Plan and the Zoo’s mission.

Core Role Responsibilities:

• Assist with developing and delivering engaging programs and activities (eg. Scavenger hunts, games) to guests and Indigenous youth camp participants that center traditional land-based knowledge.
• Assist team members promote the programming to guests (writing social media copy, making signs, verbally inviting guests to participate).
• Assist with event/program set up and clean up.
• Act as an additional guide and point of contact/support for Elders, Knowledge Sharers and Indigenous groups visiting the Zoo (eg. escorting groups to Behind-The-Scenes or Meet the Guardians locations), as needed.
• Work cooperatively with all Zoo team members.
• Gather feedback from participants to enhance the programming to fit their needs and expectations. Some travel to community events off Toronto Zoo premises may be required.
• Research, develop and deliver engaging and fun activities and programming to guests and Indigenous youth camp participants.
• Providing excellent customer service to our guests.
• Assisting full-time/permanent staff as directed related to program development and delivery and for ensuring a safe and excellent guest experience.
• Share conservation messaging.
• Inspire sustainability awareness and actions.
• Follows all policies and standard operating procedures.
• Attends appropriate training as required.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Interest or experience with traditional land-based knowledge and working in Indigenous communities.
• Have experience and comfortable with speaking and delivering presentations to groups.
• Outgoing personality and lead activities and programming in a fun, engaging and interactive manner.
• Experience with arts, crafts or other creative activities.
• Have an interest in animals, plants, and conservation issues.
• Must be able to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate an awareness of and commitment to sustainable practices.
• Be highly motivated and initiate and carry out tasks/projects with minimal supervision.
• Possess an unrestricted Class G driver’s license valid in the Province of Ontario along with a good driving record (preferred).
• Lived experience as a First Nations, Inuit or Metis person (preferred).
• Must ensure all applicable licenses and certificates remain valid and in good standing. Copies of licenses and certificates to be provided at time of hire and upon renewal.
• 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.

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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