Security Guard (On Call)
Under the direction of the Manager, Facility Services and/or the Shift Lead this position is tasked to provide physical security to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo patrons, grounds, assets, property and live animal collection. The Security Guard working alongside other team members will provide a safe and secure environment for our visitors, volunteers and other Zoo staff members
What you will do:
The following duties are typical for this role. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
- Ensure all assigned daily duties, tasks, patrols are carried out as per daily operations procedures.
- Ensure all incidents during the shift are documented and appropriate individuals are notified.
- Daily interaction with guests, members of the public and other zoo departments.
- Is required to wear a variety of personal protective equipment.
- Direct vehicular traffic in busy parking lots.
- Monitor security control center, including close circuit television (CCTV), card access system, gate controls and building management systems in addition to answering public inquiries.
- Write timely, clear, accurate and concise incident reports.
- Foot and vehicular patrols of a 125-Acre site.
- Mechanical system inspections.
- Provides emergency first aid.
- Participate in searches for lost children and guests.
- Support the aims and objectives and protect the image of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
- Other duties as assigned.
What you will bring:
- Must possess valid Individual (Security Services, Investigator and Locksmith) License issued by the Government of Alberta
- Must have, or be willing to complete First Aid & CPR Licence
- Must have, or be willing to complete ProServe & ProTect
- Good computer skills, including working knowledge of MS Office products.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Understanding of building mechanical and life safety systems an asset.
- Customer service oriented.
- Clear criminal background.
Working Conditions:
- 12-hour rotating shifts, including weekends, nights, and statutory holidays as required.
- Prolonged periods of walking, standing, and sitting, including outdoor patrols in all weather conditions.
- Exposure to extreme temperatures, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
- Frequent physical activity, including climbing stairs, lifting, and carrying equipment (up to 50 lbs. maximum).
- High-stress situations, including handling security incidents, emergency responses, and operational decision-making under pressure.
- Extended periods of focus, including monitoring surveillance systems, writing reports, and coordinating team activities.
- Frequent interpersonal interactions, including engaging with guests, staff, and external agencies in both routine and high-pressure situations.
- Responsibility for shift continuity, requiring seamless coordination between outgoing and incoming Team Leads.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required for security and safety tasks.
- Requirement to remain on duty until properly relieved, ensuring operational coverage at all times.
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
- A complimentary annual pass for you and your immediate family members
- A welcoming and fun work environment where you can bring your authentic self to work each day
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:
If this position is fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online no later than November 30, 2026.
Staff:
- Login to your ADP profile
- Click the Myself tab
- Under Talent click Career Centre
- Select the position and submit your application with resume and cover letter!
Volunteers:
- Submit your application with resume and cover letter to hr@calgaryzoo.com
- We will add your application into ADP!
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
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.
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
