Description

Grow your skills and experience at one of the most unique sites in Calgary this ZOOLIGHTS season! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s catering department is looking for a Catering Server & Bartender to support our front of house team. Our Catering team offers 8 unique venues across 120 acres and, 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. 

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: November 2025
End: January 2026

What you will do: 

• Answer questions about beverage menu items and make recommendations upon request
• Prepare beverage orders that server's input into the system
• Set up bartending stations and dining areas to prepare for catered events
• Set up furniture, equipment, and décor for catered functions as directed by the Banquet Captain
• Deliver food and beverage according to the standards and policies outlined within the organization
• Monitor bar inventory levels and communicate needs to the team leader
• Perform closing cleaning duties such as tidying up the bar
• Responsible for adhering to all policies, procedures, and departmental standards in relation to alcohol and liquor laws, including ensuring over consumption and/or underage consumption does not occur 
• Provide exceptional customer service to guests
• Follow all organizational policies and procedures 
• Follow health and safety guidelines including safe food handling procedures 
• Adhere to all policies, procedures, and departmental standards in relation to alcohol and liquor laws, including ensuring over consumption and/or underage consumption does not occur 

What you will bring: 

• 1 to 2 years’ experience in a Bartending or Serving role - experience in a banquet role is strongly preferred
• ProServe Certification is required 
• Must be 18 year of age or older 
• Friendly, outgoing personality 
• Independent worker
• Service all customer promptly and courteously   

Working Conditions: 

• Able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Labour intensive work  
• Heavy lifting up to 50lbs.  
• Frequent walking and standing for long periods of time required  
• May be exposed to hazardous cleaning chemicals and supplies, hot food preparation equipment, smoke, and other hazardous conditions common to commercial food preparation areas  
• Shift work required  
• Late evenings, weekends, holidays   

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 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?  
   • What are your wage expectations?  
   • Do you hold a valid ProServe?  
   • Do you have any significant time off requirements?  
   • How many hours are you looking to work per week?  
   • Please provide 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 no later than October 2, 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 advise that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.