Horticultural Technician

Join our team 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 a permanent, full-time Horticulture Technician – Interior who will be responsible for maintenance of the indoor and/or outdoor plants in areas including the conservatory, the greenhouses and the interior habitats.

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.

What you will do: 

• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Responsible for care and upkeep of diverse plant collections.
• Responsible for interior installation of seasonal displays.
• Assist with Zoolights setup and teardown
• Maintains interior gardens and habitats as directed; Botanical duties include planting new collection plants, plant propagation, pruning, tropical browse collection and management, micro green production. Hardscaping duties include; digging out old plant material, hauling sand, mulch, and soil, moving large rocks, and other tasks as required
• Responsible for use of environmental controls for greenhouse environment.
• Responsible for identification and control of greenhouse pests using integrated pest management (IPM) approach.
• Responsible for plant identification.
• Works with garden volunteers on tasks, as assigned.
• Attends department meetings, training sessions and zoo functions as required.
• Identifies potential safety hazards.
• Assists with the maintenance of the butterfly exhibit.
• Responsible for use and care of hand and power tools.
• Snow removal and ice management as required.
• Work with seasonal employees in their daily work as directed.
• Direct season employees in managers absence.
• Assist other horticulture departments (Habitats, Exterior, Botanical) as business needs require.
• Assist other Zoo departments (Events, Education, Animal Care, Facilities) as business needs require.
• Inventory of new plant material.
• Cleaning as required.
• Other duties as required.
• Additional training that may be required and provided by the Zoo includes, WHMIS, workforce orientation, zoonotic disease awareness, vehicle operator training, respiratory protection, pest control, lock out/tag out, hazard assessment & control, fire extinguisher use, skid steer Training, Code Adam, First Aid, ISA Certification, Pesticide Applicators Licensing, mobile elevated working platform, and Fall Protection

What you will bring:  

• A college diploma in horticulture is required; a bachelor's degree in horticulture is considered an asset.
• At least 5 years' experience with landscaping, groundskeeping, or other related experience.
• Experience working in a public garden.
• Experience working with tropical plants.
• A valid Class 5 Driver's license or equivalent is required
• Pesticide Applicators License, Greenhouse class is required
• Fall Arrest and Boom lift operators license is required
• Ability to and eagerness to learn new skills as part of role.
• Understands and follows written and oral instructions.
• Has excellent communication and customer service skills for frequent interaction with public and school groups.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively with team members to complete work tasks
• Performs tasks around busy event schedules.

Working Conditions:  

• Working in hot and humid environment.
• All weather conditions, including extreme cold weather and physical work in very hot weather.
• Uneven, slippery surfaces.
• Change in priorities, visitor engagement inquiries.
• Bending, squatting and kneeling.
• Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Walking to job site 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.
• Listens and understands tasks and public inquiries.
• Working in very busy public setting
• Wear PPE as 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 Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Zoo Offers:  

• Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement
• Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
• Employer matching RRSP program
• 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:  

1. Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. )  
2. Submit your resume with an optional cover letter via our online application system: 
3. Fill in the Application questions:
   • If hired, when would you be available to start?
   • If hired, what are your salary/wage expectations?
   • Please confirm if you have a Class 5 Driver's License.
   • Please describe your experience working with equipment. What have you used before and how many years of experience do you have?
   • Briefly describe your experience in landscaping and/or horticulture.

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 December 1, 2025 at 4pm MST.  

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.  

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.