Description

Grow your culinary career at one of the most unique sites in Calgary! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s catering department is looking for a Chef de Partie to join our enthusiastic and energetic Catering Team. Our catering team operates 3 kitchens, 3 banquet facilities, a BBQ tent, and a seasonal restaurant, Grazers, featuring local and sustainable products over the summer months.

As a Chef de Partie, you will be responsible for oversight of the culinary operations in the absence of the Executive or Sous Chefs. The successful candidate will be required to execute all event orders including hands-on preparation of food, delivery, and clean-up.    

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: December 31, 2024 with the possibility for extension

What you will do:  

• Create exceptional experiences through high quality food and superior customer service
• Be a proven leader in training staff, developing recipes, and supporting a management team 
• Prepare food as required, following specifications on Event Orders 
• Ensure work areas are 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
• Adhere to policies and procedures regarding sanitation and sanitary food handling 
• Perform additional duties as required  

What you will bring: 

• 3+ years experience in a culinary environment 
• Experience with menu engineering and food cost controlling methods 
• Class 5 Driver’s License is required 
• Food Safety training is an strongly preferred 
• Red Seal certification is an asset 
• Supervisory experience is an asset. Strong preference will be given to those with experience in mid to large sized operations
• Strong leadership and customer service skills 
• Ability to work with little supervision 
• Ability to operate golf carts and 1-ton panel trucks 
• Ability to read and follow instructions as per catering function sheets 
• Previous experience requisitioning and ordering inventory 
• Excellent communication skills  

Working Conditions: 

• Standing during entire shift
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Exposure to hot & cold elements in kitchen
• Periodic exposure outside the kitchen on Zoo grounds
• Consistent exposure to flora and fauna on Zoo grounds
• Flexible work schedule including morning, evenings, weekend, and holidays
• 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:

• Competitive compensation starting at $23.50/hour
• Contract completion bonus of $500
• 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:

• Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewuP6xA-yiA)  
• 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! Applications will remain open until a suitable candidate is 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.