Zoo jobs

Join our team and help visitors make share and meaningful memories at one of Calgary’s most unique sites! The Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo is seeking seasonal Concessions Customer Service Representatives who will work collaboratively within the rest of the Concessions Department, focusing on delivering exceptional customer service experiences. The primary focus will be on processing payment transactions, support with line management, and cleaning up. As needed to support operations, the Customer Service Representatives will also support food preparation and food service. The position consists of operating various concession outlets and food carts throughout the zoo.

Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Core Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

Contract:

• Start Dates: Late October/Early November 2026
• End Date: January 2027
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends, with the latest shifts until 10:30pm.

What you will do:

• Operate the cash registers and balance cash (cash handling & opening/closing)
• Clean all restaurant areas (tables, patios, equipment, floors, windows, ledges, fill up condiments, etc.)
• Operate concession outlets & carts independently on zoo grounds according to standards
• Provide exceptional customer service and service recovery to guests at all times
• Follow proper cash handling procedures
• Operate and clean food equipment according to Management standards
• Support as needed with food preparation including cooking food on demand (hot dogs, hamburgers, daily specials, etc.)for the day ensuring proper rotation and food quality
• Follow all zoo policies and procedures
• Contributes to a positive team environment
• Follow health & safety guidelines including safe food handling procedures

What you will bring:

• Responsible, productive, punctualand reliable with a strong work ethic
• Superior customer service skills
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as unsupervised
• Ability to work outdoors
• Positive attitude
• ProServe certification is preferred

Working Conditions:

• Standing during whole shift
• Weekday, weekend, holiday and evening hours (during Zoolights)
• Working in a variety of indoor and outdoor conditions (heat, sun, pollen, cold, smoke)
• Pushing, pulling, lifting up to 30lbs

The Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Zoo Offers:

• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals

Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.

Apply by doing the following:

• Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
• Submit your resume with an optional cover letter via our online application system.
• Fill in the Application questions:
  • Confirm eligibility to work in Canada.
  • If hired, when would you be available to start?
  • What is your availability throughout the week?
  • This position requires variable shift hours and includes weekend and holiday work. Are you able to commit to this type of flexible schedule?
  • Do you have any availability restrictions, upcoming time off, or other scheduling considerations we should know about?
  • Do you have Food Safety Certification?
  • Do you have a Proserve Certification?
  • If hired, what are your wage expectations for the position?

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by our application deadline: October 1, 2026 at 10:00pm MT

The Wilder Institute strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

This position is an existing vacancy within our organization. The Wilder Institute uses basic knockout questions in application to support screening; applications are otherwise assessed and selected by real humans.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that they will be contacted once applications have been reviewed and a final decision has been made.