Team: Indigenous Relations

Rate of Pay: Starting $26.54, 520 hours $28.31, 1040 hours $29.49

Category: Grant

Duration: 1 year (Non-Permanent)

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 August 1, 2026.

Position Purpose: The Grant Turtle Island Conservation Steward-Grant is responsible for contributing to the Turtle Island Conservation Program, bringing together keepers of Traditional Knowledge (TK), Elders, First Nations community members and Turtle Island Conservation (TIC) team members to facilitate the preservation of traditional ways of knowing and the participation of First Nations peoples in conservation. Assist First Nations-led programming through collaborations in biodiversity (i.e. Species at Risk) conservation recovery planning, and preservation of significant cultural and natural landscapes. This position will assist and provide support in implementing the Strategic Plan.

CORE ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the operation of the Turtle Island Conservation Program.
• Perform general administrative tasks, communications, maintaining budgetary records.
• Develop lasting reciprocal relationships with youth, Elders, knowledge holders, community members and Band councils to engage in conservation activities.
• Supervise and train First Nations youth staff in development of conservation programming.
• Develop innovative stewardship and outreach programs for a variety of audiences.
• Responsible for resourcing and developing program resources in Indigenous Languages (e.g. Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabemowin).
• Responsible for resourcing and developing culturally relevant conservation educational and curriculum materials that incorporate traditional teachings to be used in Indigenous communities and broader audiences.
• Lead outreach education and distribution of educational materials to First Nations schools and communities.
• Assist in planning Turtle Island /conservation and Adopt-A-Pond special events.
• Incorporate Traditional Knowledge into the development and implementation of Species at Risk (SAR) recovery and conservation measures in First Nations communities.
• Help build capacity in Aboriginal communities to support activities that protect or conserve SAR and their habitats.
• Carry out field work with First Nations community partners on reserve land; assist with SAR monitoring and wetland evaluation.
• Assist with writing grant proposals and reports. Effectively fundraise for specific priorities. Maintain database of funding sources and maintains program material online.
• Secure funding through grant writing and fundraising initiatives for conservation projects at the Toronto Zoo and with First Nations community partners.
• Follows all policies and branch instructions.
• Attends appropriate training as required.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Must have completed a degree in conservation biology or environmental sciences, Aboriginal studies, education, or diploma in wildlife management, or the equivalent amount of training and related experience.
• Must have a minimum 2 years of proven experience in the same or similar position.
• Must be First Nations or Inuit youth ordinarily resident on reserve, in recognized communities or on community lands; or Inuit who are residents in Canada, but who reside outside their territory and are no longer eligible to be funded by their territory (proof of refusal is required).
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Must be a youth (defined as persons aged 15 to 30 inclusive).
• Must have experience working respectfully with Indigenous communities & protocols. 
• Applicants who have Native language skills would be an asset.
• Awareness of Indigenous culture, Traditional Knowledge, and First Nations in Ontario.
• Knowledge of Ontario curriculum and culturally relevant curriculum development.
• Experience organizing community conservation initiatives and cultural programs.
• Proven ability to deliver engaging and informative presentations to multiple audiences, including Indigenous communities; exceptional public speaking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and outreach events.
• Experience in fundraising and grant writing with multiple partners/stakeholders.
• Event planning, and grant applications experience an asset.
• 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 possess an unrestricted Class G driver’s license valid in the Province of Ontario along with a good driving record (ability to travel and work independently in regions across Ontario).
• Must be able to work weekends, evenings, 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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