Description

Bring the festive spirit to life this winter with your vibrant performing skills! We are seeking energetic and joyful performers to join the team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo as a Performer, Special Events during ZOOLIGHTS. During this time, Performers will portray Christmas Elves, interacting with visitors of all ages to create extra-special moments of wonder and magic!  

Special Event Performers are high energy and positive team members that activate each visitor’s experience when visiting the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo during special events. They are responsible for facilitating memory-making experiences by utilizing their skills in the performing arts and customer service for visitors of all ages. Core responsibilities include performing characters and creating theatrical interactions that support organizational strategies and visitor engagement goals at special programmed events. Event Performers will be required to work closely with zoo volunteers and other zoo teams, such as Special Experiences and Conservation Education.

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: November 2025
• End Date: January 2026

What you will do:  

• Use skills in performing arts and customer service to create unique and delightful moments 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 support the visitor experience
• Help to 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
• Converse with people of all ages, and ability to weave in storytelling about the zoo and relevant aspects of the programmed event
• Report to and communicate with event leads for the duration of the event
• Work collaboratively with volunteers
• 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
• Public speaking and initiating interpersonal engagement, with or without amplification
• Deliver 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:  

• At least one year experience in performing arts and customer service is required
• Experience working in a busy and changeable environment
• Excellent verbal skills with the ability to facilitate dialogue with individuals or groups of any age
• Excellent interpersonal skills as demonstrated by comfort with actively approaching visitors and guests
• Ability to navigate unexpected circumstances and remain calm in challenging or stressful situations
• Reliability, commitment, and regular attendance
• Resilience and adaptability to new situations
• Passion for making every moment the best for others
• High situational awareness regarding safety, interpersonal cues, and appropriate responses to a wide variety of situations
• Solutions focused and detail oriented
• Basic competency in Microsoft Office
• Strong organizational and time management skills

Working Conditions:

• This is a high-energy role with physical requirements. Staff must be able to walk the entirety of the zoo grounds and stand on feet for extended periods of time
• Some heavy lifting may be required (15-20 kg) as well as pulling or pushing of wagons over various terrains
• Indoor or outdoor conditions may include sun, heat, cold, smoke, pollen, humidity etc.
• Work environment may include low or bright lighting conditions
• Various sound environments including loud music, crowd noise, machinery, and animal noises
• Ground conditions include various terrains including inclines/declines, wet, icy or uneven pathways
• Work hours may take place during day times or evenings as 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 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. 
3. Fill in the Application questions:
   • If hired, when would you be available to start?
   • Do you have any vacation requirements for the length of the contract?
   • Fill in your availability.

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.  Applications will remain open until the positions are filled.

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.