Join our team at the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo and grow your experience at one of the most unique sites in Calgary! The Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo is seeking seasonal Event Hosts to help deliver exceptional guest experiences, especially during our upcoming ZOOLIGHTS.
Event Hosts create a welcoming and engaging environment for visitors of all ages by providing outstanding customer service, facilitating event activities and experiences, and by supporting the safe and efficient operation of ZOOLIGHTS and other events as needed.
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: late October to early November
- End Date: January 3, 2027
Important dates to note:
- New employee orientation will take place on October 31 or November 2, 2026 from 9:00am to 12:30pm.
- Mandatory ZOOLIGHTS training will take place on November 4 and 5, 2026, during evening hours (anticipated approximately 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.).
What you will do:
- Facilitate engaging and memorable event experiences that are welcoming, inclusive, and visitor-focused.
- Provide exceptional customer service by answering questions, assisting with problem-solving, and responding to visitor concerns in a calm and professional manner.
- Initiate conversations and deliver organizational messaging in a manner that reflects the zoo’s brand, voice, and commitment to wildlife conservation.
- Share information about zoo animals, amenities, ZOOLIGHTS experiences, and conservation efforts, as appropriate.
- Support the safe and efficient movement of visitors throughout events, including wayfinding, queuing, crowd flow, and reinforcing event rules and guidelines.
- Facilitate event activities and experiences, including speaking to groups with or without amplification.
- Set up, maintain, and take down event spaces and equipment as required.
- Work collaboratively with zoo staff, volunteers, contractors, and external partners to support the successful delivery of events.
- Provide in-the-moment guidance, logistical support, and mentorship to zoo volunteers to assist them in completing their assigned responsibilities.
- Respond to changing event needs and assist other teams with operational requirements as needed.
What you will bring:
- High school diploma or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience is required. Post-secondary education in these fields is an asset.
- Minimum 1 year of experience in customer service, hospitality, tourism, education, recreation, events, or another public-facing environment is required
- Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide respectful, inclusive, and professional customer service to a diverse range of visitors.
- Demonstrated ability to remain calm and professional when responding to customer concerns, challenging situations, or conflict.
- Ability to effectively work independently and collaboratively with staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners.
- Deliver organizational messaging in a manner consistent with the zoo's brand, voice, and conservation goals.
- Ability to work in a dynamic event environment and respond appropriately to changing circumstances.
- Basic computer skills and ability to use common workplace communication tools, including email and Microsoft OneNote.
Working Conditions:
- Exposure to outdoor conditions as work is performed primarily outdoors throughout the event spaces, including during winter conditions such as cold temperatures, wind, snow, and precipitation.
- Move throughout the zoo grounds and remain on duty in a variety of event locations featuring uneven surfaces/terrain, crowds, and event-related equipment.
- Regularly stand, move, and interact with visitors for extended periods throughout the shift.
- Regularly move event materials, supplies, and equipment, including pushing and pulling wagons and carts.
- May occasionally move supplies or equipment requiring additional physical effort, with assistance or appropriate equipment as needed.
- Shift times vary and will include evenings, weekends, holidays, and other scheduled event dates.
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 via our online application system. Fill in the Application questions:
- Approximately how many hours per week are you available to work?
- What is your availability throughout the week?
- Do you have any availability restrictions, upcoming time off, or other scheduling considerations we should know about?
- This position requires variable shift hours and includes weekend and holiday work. Are you able to commit to this type of flexible schedule?
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 online by our application deadline: September 30, 2026.
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.
