Wildlife Care Keeper Grade 1

Branch: Wildlife CareRate of Pay: Starting $27.83, 3-months $29.68, 6-months $30.92Duration: Full Time (Permanent)Hours of Work: 40 hours per weekNumber of Positions Open: 1Looking 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 July 6, 2025.Position Purpose: The Keeper Grade 1 is responsible, under close supervision and training, for providing day to day care for the animals in the collection, presenting educational talks and demonstrations for the public and answering queries of a general nature when asked by visitors.Core Role Responsibilities:Cleans and decorates exhibits and holding areas.Provides regular activities for the enrichment of the animals.Observes the collection for signs of illness, indifference or injury and reports same.Notes dietary problems and reports changes and other pertinent information to the appropriate persons.Maintains tools and equipment in good repair and order and reports any deficiencies.Assists in the treatment and care of sick and injured animals and the hand rearing of animals as required.Ensures that quarantine regulations are adhered to and reports any irregularities.Answers queries from Zoo visitors, participates in keeper talks/demonstrations and assists in "behind the scenes" tours.Assists with the restraint, crating and uncrating of animals.Assists in the training of animals.Attends appropriate keeper training course as required and participates in the keeper training rotation program.Assists in ensuring the general tidiness of the Zoo site, with particular attention to litter that may be harmful to the animals.May be required to carry, and use, a two-way radio.May be required to give guidance and direction to seasonal staff, Co-Op students, and job shadow students.May be required to work in any other area of the Zoo.Under close supervision and with appropriate training, performs the general day to day care of the animals in his/her section.Follow all policies and branch instructions.Attends appropriate training as required.Technical Knowledge and Skills:Must have a certificate or diploma, at the community college level, in an animal related course of study or the equivalent amount of training and related experience.Must have 2 years of proven experience in the same or similar position (keeping experience in a major zoological collection.).Must be able to produce brief but accurate reports.Must be able to answer questions from visitors and give educational talks.Must possess a demonstrated interest in and desire to work with and learn the proper care of animals in captivity and to make the public aware of conservation.Must possess the ability and willingness to work in a team setting.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.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. This includes the ability to lift 25kg (55lbs.)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.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.Personal information gathered as a result of this posting is collected under the authority of the City of Toronto Act and By-law No. 5-1998 and will be used to determine eligibility for this job posting. Questions about this collection of personal information should be directed to: Ms. S. Findlay-Thompson, Manager, Human Resources (416) 392-5925.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.Join our Talent CommunityStay in-the-know about great career opportunities at your Toronto Zoo. Join our Talent Community and stay connected