Facility

Wildlife Health

Closing Date

Description

Basic Function: Reporting to the Wildlife Health Supervisor, performs general keeping duties in the Wildlife Health Unit, and under the direction of the Director of Wildlife & Welfare, assists in the management of the collection, provides guidance and support to maintain the highest standards of husbandry and welfare on site, and develops and delivers training for Wildlife Care staff, Volunteers and external clients. This position will assist and provide support in implementing the approved Strategic Plan.

Education and Pre-requisites

RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position may be assigned to, but is not restricted to, performing duties that relates to the bird collection.
Assists in the restra
int and treatment of sick and injured animals.

Maintains proficiency in avian handling safety and assists with planning, coordinating and scheduling dangerous avian treatment, restraint, training and shipping.

Ensures that quarantine regulations are maintained.

Ensures that holding and support areas in the work area to which he/she has been assigned are in a proper state of cleanliness and order.

Observes the collection for signs of illness, indifference or injury and reports same.

In consultation with other staff, assists in establishing policies and procedures to improve the care of specimens.

Assists with the development and delivery of instructions and training for Wildlife Care staff in exhibit design, exhibit preparation and the husbandry requirements of the collection.

Participates in education activities, develops and delivers presentations and tours related to the taxon for various internal and external groups and agencies.

Assists the Director of Wildlife and Welfare in collection planning and the acquisition and disposition of animals.

Assists with specimen transfers and movements.

Assist guests on site as required and ensures excellent customer service is provided by Zoo staff.

Assists in developing and meeting operational requirements of long term collection sustainability which are aligned with the goals of the Toronto Zoo strategic plan.

Organizes and participates in regular collection management meetings with Wildlife Health, Wildlife Nutrition and Wildlife Care staff.

Maintains and orders equipment for the management of the collection.

Assists with the development of record keeping methods and protocols.

Other related duties as requested by Supervisor or the Supervisor’s designate.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Must possess a Bachelor degree in an animal related course of study or the equivalent training and experience.

Minimum 7 years’ keeping experience or equivalent experience and qualifications.

Must be able to meet the physical demands of the job.

Must have the ability to take initiative, organize multiple tasks, problem solve and inspire others.

An excellent understanding of Zoo operations, operating procedures, exhibit design and collection management, staff training needs and techniques, equipment and its upkeep, animal husbandry, ecology and conservation.

Must possess good organizational skills, be a proven self-starter with the ability to work with minimal supervision as well as in a team setting. Must have above average interpersonal skills.

Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Must be able to produce accurate, complete and comprehensive written reports.

Must be able, and possess the confidence to make verbal presentations to staff and public.

Must be proficient in the English language.

Must have working knowledge of WHMIS legislation, the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act and Toronto Zoo Safety Policy.

Excellent & current technical knowledge of avian biology and husbandry.

Compensation and benefits

HOURS OF WORK: 40 hours per week

SALARY RANGE: Start Rate: $30.05/hr. – 3 month: $32.06/hr. – 6 month: $33.39/hr

Application instructions

CANDIDATES MAY BE REQUIRED TO TAKE A WRITTEN AND/OR PRACTICAL EXAMINATION RELEVANT TO THE POSITION.

If interested in this position, please submit your resume and cover letter no later than Sunday, 2020-02-16 to:

hr@torontozoo.ca

*Please state “Lead Keeper – Birds” in the subject line of your application.

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Toronto Zoo provides accommodation for employees with disabilities, as defined under the Ontario Human Rights Code. If contacted for an interview, and you require specific accommodation for the interview process because of a disability or a medical need, then please advise the person contacting you of your requirements, so that arrangements can be made for the appropriate 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. Shawna Findlay-Thompson, Manager, Human Resources (416)392-5925.