Director, Wildlife Health

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Our Mission: connecting people, animals, conservation science, and traditional knowledge to fight extinction.

Department:
Wildlife Health

Rate of Pay: $147,165 – $180,000 per year

What does it take to shape the future of wildlife health on a global scale? At your Toronto Zoo, this senior leadership role sits at the intersection of science, strategy, and conservation impact, influencing animal welfare and conservation outcomes, locally and globally.

Apply Online by March 12, 2026.

Position Purpose: The Director of Wildlife Health oversees the operational efficiency and financial sustainability of the Wildlife Health Centre that houses the animal hospital, quarantine unit, laboratories and conservation breeding programs, and its staff that includes a full staff of veterinary and animal care professionals. The Director oversees the Veterinary, Nutrition and Welfare Science programs as part of the zoo’s holistic One Well-being model.

The Director is a member of the senior leadership and develops near-term and long-term strategies for overall direction of animal well-being. The Director provides support for the Zoo’s conservation and research efforts and achievement of the Toronto Zoo’s Strategic and Master Plans and Our Mission: connecting people, animals, conservation science, and traditional knowledge to fight extinction.

• Leads a comprehensive One Well-being program in conjunction with the Wildlife Care Division, that includes preventive and emergency medicine, nutrition and welfare for resident animals and external animals requiring sanctuary in our facility.
• Develops and maintains external partnerships with academic institutions and government agencies while staying current on advancements in wildlife health and zoo science, implementing best-practice standards and innovative programs to enhance the zoo’s practices, reputation, and state-of-the-art wildlife health program.
• Oversees relevant research, conservation, and training projects, including professional publications and presentations.
• Provides mentorship for both professional development of exempt staff and supervision of the veterinary training program in zoological medicine.
• Works with exempt staff to engage the Strategic Communications team and share wildlife related stories using a variety of platforms.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures for the division and the Zoo as required.
• Provides oversight of the regular maintenance of veterinary record data. Collaborates with the Wildlife Health Manager to ensure compilation of data for monthly reports regarding the health of the collection.
• Participates in the wildlife health aspects of local, regional, national, and international conservation programs.
• Acts as the Veterinary Science Advisor for the Animal Care and Research Committee and Animal Welfare Committee.
• Works with regulatory and accrediting bodies, including AZA, OMAFA and CCAC, to ensure compliance with and develop new animal health and welfare standards.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Must be a graduate of Veterinary Medicine from a recognized college.
• Strong preference for Board certification or eligibility by the American College of Zoo Medicine, or the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians, or the equivalent.
• Must have 10 years plus progressive related experience practicing veterinary medicine in a zoo or major animal holding facility.
• Must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership position in a related discipline at the managerial level, preferably in a unionized environment.
• Must have completed a post-graduate training program in zoo medicine or have relevant equivalent experience. Must possess (or be able to obtain) a license in…