Seasonal Banquet Cook

Broaden your culinary career by joining The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo We are looking for Banquet Cooks to join our enthusiastic and energetic Catering Back of House Team. With 8 unique venues across 120 acres, we house one of the largest catering teams in the city and provide a first-rate dining experience created to delight the senses. Find out more about our catering experience here.

Under the direction of the Executive Chef and Sous Chefs, Banquet Cooks are responsible for preparing and delivering food service for our catered events at the zoo. You may also have the opportunity to work in our restaurant, Grazers, which showcases locally sourced menu items.

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 Date: November 2025
• End Date: January 2026

What you will do: 

• Create exceptional experience through high quality food and superior customer service
• Prepare food as directed, following specifications on Event Orders
• Read and follow instructions as per catering function sheets
• 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
• Adhere to policies and procedures regarding sanitation and sanitary food handling
• Comply with the zoo's health and safety program
• Perform additional duties as required

What you will bring:  

• 1-2 years' experience cooking for banquets or events require
• Alberta Food Safety Training is required
• Red Seal Training is strongly preferred
• Class 5 Driver's License and the ability to operate golf carts and 1-ton panel trucks
• Excellent communication skills 
• Availability to work a flexible schedule including morning, evenings, weekend, and holidays

Working Conditions:

• Standing during entire shift
• Fast pace environment
• Exposure to hot & cold elements in kitchen
• Consistent exposure to flora and fauna on Zoo grounds
• 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:

• 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.

Apply by doing the following:

1. Watch this videoabout 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:
   • When is your available start date?
   • Please list any time off requirements you have throughout this contract
   • Do you have any scheduling rescheduling restrictions we should know about?
   • Do you hold a class 5 Driver's License?
   • Describe your experience cooking for banquets or large events in 1-2 sentences.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with your resume and cover letter until October 27, 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.