Seasonal Chef de Partie

Grow your culinary career at one of the most unique sites in Calgary The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo's catering department is looking for a seasonal Chef de Partie to join our enthusiastic and energetic Catering Team. The Chef de Partie is responsible for oversight of the culinary operations in the absence of the Executive or Sous Chefs. They will be required to execute all event orders including hands on preparation of food, delivery, and clean-up.
Our Purpose | Take and inspire action to sustain wildlife and wild places
Our Core Values | Effective collaboration and communication, honesty and integrity, customer focus, safety, and conservation
**Contract**:
**Start Date**: April 2025
**End Date**: September 2025
**What you will do**:
Create exceptional experience through high quality food and superior customer service
Adhere to policies and procedures regarding sanitation and sanitary food handling
Be a proven leader in training staff, developing recipes, and supporting a management team
Prepare food as required, following specifications on Event Orders
Ensure work areas is clean, including all countertops, utensils, equipment, and refrigeration in accordance with company health regulations and safety regulation
Maintain cleanliness and organization of all storage areas
Support other positions within the kitchen that are in need of help
Comply with the zoo's health and safety program
Perform additional duties as required
**What you will bring**:
3 or more years experience in a culinary environment
Red Seal certification is an asset
Food Safety training is an strongly preferred
Class 5 Driver's License is required
Supervisory experience is an asset. Strong preference will be given to those with experience in mid to large sized operations
Previous experience with menu engineering and food cost controlling methods
Strong leadership and customer service skills
Ability to work with little supervision
Ability to operate golf carts and 1-ton panel trucks
Ability to read and follow instructions as per catering function sheets
Previous experience requisitioning and ordering inventory
Excellent communication skills
**Working Conditions**:
Standing during entire shift
Able to work in a fast-paced environment
Exposure to hot & cold elements in kitchen
Periodic exposure outside the kitchen on Zoo grounds
Consistent exposure to flora and fauna on Zoo grounds
Flexible work schedule including morning, evenings, weekend, and holidays
Heavy lifting (up to 50lbs.), walking, and standing for long periods of time is required
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 organization follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is a no smoking environment including vaping.
**What We Offer**:
Competitive compensation
Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit program
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.
If hired, when would you be available to start?
What are your hourly wage expectations?
Do you hold a Class 5 Driver's License?
How many years of experience do you have in a culinary environment?
Please tell us about your kitchen experience.
Please tell us briefly about your experience with high volume cooking.
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.