Seasonal Horticulture Worker

Take the next step in your horticulture journey at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and grow your experience at one of the most unique sites in Calgary The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking seasonal Horticulture Workers to join our talented team and enhance the visitor experience on our beautiful grounds.
The seasonal Horticulture Worker is responsible for the maintenance of outdoor and indoor plants, grounds, and gardens in areas such as the Dorothy Harvie Gardens, ENMAX Conservatory, animal habitats, and other general grounds areas.
Our Mission | Take and inspire action to sustain wildlife and wild places
Our Values | Effective collaboration and communication, honesty and integrity, customer focus, safety, and conservation
**Contract**:
**End Date**: March 31, 2025
**Hours**: Either Part Time (Weekends) or Full-Time (Thursday-Monday) Available
**What you will do**:
Maintains the gardens, grounds and plant area at the Calgary Zoo as directed by the Supervisor; duties include weeding, planting, dead heading, digging, raking, watering, light pruning and other garden maintenance tasks.
Priority tasks include daily ice checks and sanding, and snow removal in winter months
Assists in dismantling of necessary equipment and supplies for ZOOLIGHTS in a timely, efficient and safe manner
Operates and maintains power equipment/mobile equipment such as trimmers, blowers, tractors, and attachments
Responsible for use and care of hand and power tools
Identifies potential safety hazards
Answers public inquiries about plants and gardens and provides general Zoo information.
Works with garden volunteers on tasks assigned by the supervisor.
Attends department meetings, training sessions and zoo functions as required
**What you will bring**:
High School Diploma or equivalent is required
Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship is an asset
Class 5 Driver's License is required
Experience in Landscaping or groundskeeping is an asset
Experience operating small and large equipment is an asset
Flexibility to perform tasks around a busy event schedule
Strong communication and organizational skills
**Working Conditions**:
Various weather conditions, including extreme cold weather and physical work in very hot weather
Uneven, slippery surfaces
Fumes from equipment
Noise while operating equipment, vibrations
Change in priorities including addressing visitor engagement inquiries
Bending, squatting and kneeling
Lifting and carrying
Walking to jobsites on 125 acre grounds
Movement such as raking, shoveling and pruning
Pushing and pulling, weighing from 10-40 lbs, unassisted
Awareness of safety of public, animals and coworkers; listening, visual
Listening to understand tasks and public inquiries
Working in very busy public setting; listening and visual
Required at times to wear PPE
The Wilder Institute/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/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.
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo 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.