Banquet Cook - Seasonal - CZ

Wilder Institute; Calgary; On-site; CAD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts on food, beverage, and merch

Staff Pass Benefit plan

Fun, rewarding work environment

Job summary

Wilder Institute, located at the Calgary Zoo, seeks fixed-term Banquet Cooks to prepare and deliver food for catering events. Responsibilities include high-quality food preparation, strict sanitation, and assisting the kitchen team in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements include 1–2 years culinary experience, Alberta Food Safe Certification, and a valid driver’s license for golf carts and trucks. Red Seal is a plus. Start Oct 2026; End Dec 2026.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years experience in a culinary environment.
• Alberta Food Safe Certification required.
• Driver's License required with ability to operate golf carts and trucks.
• Red Seal Certificate is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Create exceptional experience through high-quality food and service.
• Adhere to sanitation and sanitary food handling policies.
• Prepare food as directed per catering function sheets.
• Keep work area, utensils, equipment, and refrigeration clean and sanitary.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of all storage areas.
• Support other kitchen positions as needed.
• Comply with Zoo health and safety program.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Skills

Culinary experience

Driver's License

Sanitation-aware

Education

Alberta Food Safe Certification

Red Seal Certificate (asset)

Tools

Golf cart operation

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 Cooks who 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

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

The Wilder Institute strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selvesto 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.

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.