Zoo Ambassador Student Volunteer Program Highlights
The Zoo Ambassador Student Volunteer program is for interested applicants enrolled in secondary school on a full-time basis. Zoo Ambassadors engage with guests at interpretive tables and wayfinding stations across the Zoo site. They also lend a hand at a variety of special events throughout the year and assist Zoo Kids camp counselors during our summer camp.
Please Note: Volunteers do not have any direct contact with the Zoo’s animals or plants.
The Zoo Ambassador Student Volunteer program is suitable for students who:
- Are enrolled in a secondary school program (Grades 9-12). Minimum age at time of application is 14 years of age.
- Enjoy working with the public, both children and adults.
- Are enthusiastic and have good communication and customer service skills.
- Can commit to a minimum of 20 hours per year, for two years.
- Enjoy the outdoors and have an appreciation for/some knowledge of nature and wildlife.
- Are environmentally responsible and support the Zoo’s conservation mission.
Successful applicants are required to:
- Attend the two-day Zoo Ambassador Student Volunteer Orientation training in March. (Dates TBD -- training will not interfere with March Break.)
- For students ages 18 years and older, submit a satisfactory Police Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector search at their own expense before carrying out any volunteer duties. Students under 18 years of age sign a Record of Offense Declaration indicating their status. Details are provided to successful candidates at the orientation session.
Zoo Ambassadors can volunteer on weekends from September to June, and daily in July and August. Typically, shifts are from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 12:30-3:30 pm. Occasionally, special public programs which require Volunteer assistance may run in the evening.
Application deadline: Friday, January 12, 2024 (4:30 pm EDT)
Toronto Zoo collects personal information in this section under the legal authority of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, SO 2006, Chapter 11, Schedule A, s123(c) and the City of Toronto By-Law No 640-2013. The information is used in the case of an emergency involving the volunteer. Questions about this collection can be directed to the Safety & Security Manager, Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M1B 5K7, or by telephone at 416-392-5903.
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.
