Description

Help create a welcoming event for visitors 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 permanent, full-time Zoo Ready Technician who will be responsible for performing all duties required to get the Zoo ready for day guests, event guests and staff with a focus on overall zoo cleanliness and safety. This position will also assist with event display setup including ZOOLIGHTS, creating fun and memorable displays for guests who visit!

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.

What you will do:  

• Perform daily ‘Zoo Ready’ tasks including power washing all public pathways, garbage receptacles, picnic tables, benches, patios, playgrounds (bi-weekly or as needed), and building exteriors.
• Organize picnic areas by repositioning tables and garbage bins and removing temporary items from events or public use.
• Maintain cleanliness of the North and West parking lots, including power washing pathways and waste bins.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on picnic tables, benches, tents, and garbage receptacle exteriors.
• Assist in the setup and dismantling of event equipment, including stages, tents, tables, and chairs, ensuring alignment with event contracts and guest expectations.
• Clean and prepare furniture and equipment for events and special experiences such as weddings.
• Operate various small and large equipment as required to effectively carry out duties.
• Participate in the setup and takedown of the annual Zoo Lights event, providing direction and support to seasonal staff.
• Repair and maintain Zoo Lights figures and equipment; organize and upkeep related storage areas.
• Support horticulture teams in winter tasks including snow removal, ice checks and chipping, sanding, and application of de-icing materials.
• Additional training that may be required and provided by the Zoo includes, WHMIS, workforce orientation, zoonotic disease awareness, vehicle operator training, respiratory protection, lockout/tagout, hazard assessment & control, fire extinguisher use, boom lift training, skid steer training, telehandler training, Code Adam, First Aid, and Fall Protection.
• Perform additional tasks assigned by the Supervisor to support overall zoo operations.

What you will bring:  

• A High School Diploma or equivalent education is required.
• At least 1 year of experience as a general laborer or equivalent experience is required.
• Experience in the setup and tear down of all types of events.
• Experience working outside and at heights.
• Experience in preparing large campuses for visitors and staff with a focus on cleanliness and safety.
• A Class 5 Driver’s license is required.
• Knowledge of color and symmetry, and a solid work ethic.
• Understanding of basic electrical systems is an asset.
• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Working Conditions:  

• Operation of small and large equipment, such as gators and man lifts.
• Adverse weather conditions including extreme cold
• Physical demands (heavy lifting, walking, etc.), confined spaces, pungent odors working near animals.

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:  

• Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement
• Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
• Employer matching RRSP program
• 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 salary expectations?
   • Do you have a Class 5 Driver’s license?
   • Please describe any experience you have had with event set-up or teardowns.

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 5, 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.