Description

Bring special moments and events to life at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo!  We are seeking a seasonal Event Host to facilitate exceptional experiences and customer service for visitors of all ages to inspire memory making moments.

The Event Hosts are high energy and positive team members that activate the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s vision for zoo visitors during special events. They are responsible for the set up and take down of event spaces, facilitating activities related to the event that they are hosting and providing exceptional customer focused way finding and queuing. Event hosts will be required to work closely with zoo volunteers and other zoo teams, such as Catering and Facilities.

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:

• End Date: January 8, 2025

What you will do:  

• Facilitate visitor experiences that are visitor focused while working together with various members of the zoo team, contractors, and partners.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service with each encounter to problem solve, answer questions, and de-escalate customer concerns
• Manage way finding and movement of visitors, reinforce rules, and maintain a safe environment with enthusiasm while showcasing the zoo’s brand
• Listen to visitors, staff, and volunteers, and a commitment to ongoing learning and collaboration
• Showcase Special Experiences, including but not limited to ZOOlights, Locked Zoo, Zoo Brew (18+), Corks for Conservation (18+), and After-Hours Animal Spotlight (18+) events while sharing event related content, queuing, crowd control, and facilitating activities
• Converse with people of all ages, and ability to weave in storytelling about the zoo and wildlife conservation, and inspiring conservation action
• Report to and communicate with event leads for the duration of the event
• Work collaboratively with catering teams
• Support zoo volunteers in the successful completion of their assigned tasks with mentoring, logistical support and in the moment guidance
• Develop a general understanding of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo animals, park amenities, and conservation efforts
• Perform all duties in a professional manner according to zoo policies and guidelines
• Maintain a safe, clean working environment for animals, visitors, and zoo staff
• Have a comfort with public speaking and initiating engagement, with or without amplification
• Be comfortable delivering organizational messaging aligned with our brand and voice
• Communicate with Supervisor, Visitor Engagement and Visitor Engagement Manager using email and OneNote
• Other duties as assigned to assist zoo operations

What you will bring:   

• Minimum 18 years of age as this role supports at 18+ events.
• At least 1 year experience in tourism, hospitality, or customer experience is required
• Class 5 Driver’s License is required
• High School Diploma is preferred
• ProServe certification an asset
• Excellent conversational skills with the ability to facilitate dialogue with individuals or groups
• Friendly, extroverted, high-energy, positive attitude with the ability to work within a dynamic environment and pivot quickly, adapt and improvise
• High level of maturity and ability to navigate difficult conversations. Ability to remain calm and confident in deescalating tense moments
• Reliability, commitment, and regular attendance
• Resilience and a quick learner
• Passion for making every moment the best for others
• High situational awareness, and an ability to recognize needs and adapt to meet them; solutions focused and detail oriented
• Basic competency in Microsoft Office
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Comfort with rule enforcement and conflict resolution

Working Conditions:   

• Able to work a flexible schedule including late evenings, early mornings and holidays as required
• Able to walk long distances across the zoo and stand in one position for long periods of time, in all manners of weather and temperature conditions
• Some heavy lifting required, pulling/pushing wagons, moving supplies
• Working indoors in climate-controlled buildings including hot and humid environments
• Working outdoors in all weather conditions, including cold, wind, and precipitation
• Able to operate a club-car or similar vehicle

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 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 and cover letter online by November 4, 2024 @ 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.