Description

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is looking for four (4) Banquet Cooks to join our enthusiastic and energetic Catering Team. Our Catering team offers 8 unique venues across 120 acres and we were named the 2023 Winner for Best Unique Wedding Venue in Calgary. With one of the largest catering teams in the city, we 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 Mission | Take and inspire action to sustain wildlife and wild places 
Our Values | Effective collaboration and communication, honesty and integrity, customer focus, safety, and conservation 

Contract:   

Start Date: As soon as possible
End Date: September 22, 2024
Wage: Starting at $21/hour 

What you will do:  

• Create exceptional experience through high quality food and superior customer service
• Adhere to policies and procedures regarding sanitation and sanitary food handling
• 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
• Comply with the zoo’s health and safety program
• Perform additional duties as required

What you will bring:  

• 1-2 years’ experience in a culinary environment required
• Experience in mid to large sized operations is an asset
• 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 video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewuP6xA-yiA)  
2. Submit your resume with an optional cover letter via our online application system.
   

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.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received – we encourage you to apply early! Position will remain posted until all 4 candidates are found.

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.