Banquet Cook - Seasonal - CZ

Calgary Zoo; Calgary; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts on food/beverage/merchandise

Staff Pass Benefit plan

Fun, rewarding work environment

Job summary

Calgary Zoo is seeking a Banquet Cook for a fixed-term role in Calgary, Alberta. You will prepare and deliver food for events, follow catering orders, and maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety in a fast-paced back-of-house environment.

Applicants should have 1–2 years in a culinary setting, Alberta Food Safe certification, and a valid driver’s license. Red Seal is an asset; the role requires flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years experience in a culinary environment.
• Red Seal certification is an asset; Driver's license required to operate campus vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality food for events following catering orders.
• Maintain sanitation and food handling standards.
• Prepare dishes as directed and ensure timely delivery.
• Keep work areas clean and organized; assist other kitchen roles as needed.
• Support health and safety policies and procedures.

Skills

Culinary experience

Driver's license

Alberta Food Safe Certification

Red Seal

Job description

Grow your culinary experience at the Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo and help create memories through delectable dishes! Our Catering Back of House team is seeking fixed-term Banquet Cookswho will join our team as they slice, sear, and succeed - together!

Banquet Cooks are responsible for preparing and delivering food service as per the catering function sheet.

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: October 2026
• End: December 2026

What you will do

• Create exceptional experience through high quality food and superior customer service
• Adhere to policies and procedures regarding sanitation and sanitary food handling.
• Prepare food as directed, following specifications on Event Orders.
• Ensures work area is clean, including all counter tops, utensils, equipment, and refrigeration is in a clean and sanitary condition in accordance with company health regulations and safety regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of all storage areas
• Support other positions within the kitchen that is in need of help.
• Complies with the Zoo’s health and safety program
• Perform additional duties as required

What you will bring

• 1-2 years experience in a culinary environment. Strong preference given to those with experience in mid to large sized operations
• A Driver’s License is required with the ability to operate golf carts and 1-ton panel trucks
• Alberta Food Safe Certifications is required.
• Red Seal Certificate is an asset.
• Ability to read and follow instructions as per catering function sheets.

Working Conditions

• Able to work in fast pace environment
• Exposure to hot & cold elements in kitchen
• Periodical exposure outside the kitchen on Zoo grounds
• Consistent exposure to flora and fauna on Zoo grounds
• Flexible work schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays
• Heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs), walking and standing for long periods of time required

The Wilder Institute's 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's 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.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

This position is an existing vacancy within our organization. The Wilder Institute uses basic knockout questions in application to support screening; applications are otherwise assessed and selected by real humans.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that they will be contacted once applications have been reviewed and a final decision has been made.