Description

Create incredible and memorable ZOOLIGHTS experiences  for our guests by joining the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo as an Event Host!

The Event Hosts activate the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s Brand and Engagement vision for zoo visitors during special events. They are responsible for facilitating exceptional experiences and customer service for visitors of all ages including memory making moments. Core responsibilities include: helping with 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 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 1, 2025 
• Contract End: January 2026 

What you will do:        

• Facilitate visitor experiences to create magical, memory making moments that are visitor focused while working together with various member 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, Corks for Conservation, and After-Hours Animal Spotlight 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 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:       

• At least 1 year experience in tourism, hospitality, or customer experience is required 
• A high school diploma is preferred, but equivalent experience and skills will be considered. 
• A Class 5 Driver’s License is required to operate a club-car/similar vehicle for event set up 
• 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 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 
• Able to work a flexible schedule including late evenings, early mornings and holidays 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
• A complimentary annual pass for you and your immediate family members
• A welcoming and fun work environment where you can bring your authentic self to work each day

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 would you be available to start?
   • If hired, what are your wage expectations for this position?
   • Please list any vacation requirements for the upcoming season.
   • 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 online by 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 advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.