Description

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 full-time, fixed-term Intern, Volunteer Relations who will assist in the delivery of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s volunteer programs and services. The Intern will work directly with the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s incredible team of volunteers, providing guidance and support to volunteers and supporting the Volunteer Relations team with administrative tasks. 

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: January 2026
• End Date: January 2027 

What you will do:   

• Complete administrative tasks with efficiency and accuracy, including updating training resources, preparing documents and materials for the volunteer experience, and drafting emails and newsletters.
• Use Better Impact (Volunteer Management System) for maintaining volunteer records, schedules, and hours
• Track inventory of Volunteer Relations supplies and resources
• Significant on-grounds, day-to-day coordination of our adult and youth volunteer
• Work with the Volunteer Relations Manager and Coordinator to ensure that volunteers receive the appropriate level of supervision
• Assist with supporting Junior Zoo Guide volunteers, with a focus on summer camp volunteers through observation and mentorship in collaboration with Conservation Education team members who manage camp programs.
• Being lead point of contact for volunteers on one weekend day per week
• Support the regular, informal volunteer recognition initiatives to inspire continuous service and convey the organization’s gratitude
• Support formal volunteer recognition activities and events to recognize the contribution of volunteers to the organization
• Ensure that volunteers work in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations
• Support with minor coaching moments and escalating coaching and performance management situations to the Volunteer Relations Team
• Other related responsibilities as required or assigned 

What you will bring:   

• A college diploma in human resources, volunteer resources, tourism, development or other related program of study is an asset.
• 1 year experience in general administration is required
• Experience working with volunteers is preferred
• Experience volunteering in the community is an asset
• Strong customer focus
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office. Experience with SharePoint is an asset
• Comfortable learning and adapting to new computer systems quickly
• Ability to function independently and as part of a team
• Detail oriented
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated time management, and organizational skills
• Maturity and ability to navigate challenging situations 

Working Conditions:   

• Will work in an office environment, but monitoring the activities of volunteers may sometimes take them into nonstandard workplaces across the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo worksite.
• A high degree of mobility across grounds is required.
• Must be able to work a Sunday - Thursday work schedule; because of the nature of our work, this position will be required to work a variety of shifts, including weekends, some evenings, and holidays
• Work alone one weekend day and evenings 

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:    

• 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. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)   
2. Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system. 
3. Fill in the Application questions:
   • If hired, when are you available to start?
   • If hired, what are your wage expectations for the position?
   • Do you have any vacation or time off you requirements during the internship that we should be aware of at this stage? 
   • This position is required to work a Sunday to Thursday schedule.  Are you able to commit to this 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 and cover letter online by December 22, 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.