Seasonal Banquet Cooks

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo; Calgary; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo as a Banquet Cook and enhance your culinary career in a vibrant environment. You will prepare and deliver food service for catered events while ensuring high standards of cleanliness and customer satisfaction. With opportunities to work in multiple venues, this role offers a dynamic and rewarding experience in wildlife conservation.

Benefits

Discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise

Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit program

Qualifications

• 1-2 years’ experience cooking for banquets or events.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food as directed, following specifications on Event Orders.
• Ensure work areas are clean and comply with health and safety regulations.
• Create exceptional experiences through high-quality food and superior customer service.

Skills

Communication

Education

Alberta Food Safety Training

Red Seal Training

Tools

Class 5 Driver’s License

Job description

Description

Broaden your culinary career by joining The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo! We are looking for Banquet Cooks to join our enthusiastic and energetic Catering Back of House Team. With 8 unique venues across 120 acres, we house one of the largest catering teams in the city and provide a first-rate dining experience created to delight the senses. Find out more about our catering experience here.

Under the direction of the Executive Chef and Sous Chefs, Banquet Cooks are responsible for preparing and delivering food service for our catered events at the zoo. You may also have the opportunity to work in our restaurant, Grazers, which showcases locally sourced menu items.

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: May 2025
End Date: December 2025

What you will do:

• Create exceptional experiences through high-quality food and superior customer service
• Prepare food as directed, following specifications on Event Orders
• Read and follow instructions as per catering function sheets
• Ensure work areas are clean, including all countertops, utensils, equipment, and refrigeration in accordance with health and safety regulations
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of all storage areas
• Support other kitchen positions as needed
• Adhere to policies and procedures regarding sanitation and food handling
• Comply with the zoo’s health and safety program
• Perform additional duties as required

What you will bring:

• 1-2 years’ experience cooking for banquets or events
• Alberta Food Safety Training is required
• Red Seal Training is strongly preferred
• Class 5 Driver’s License and ability to operate golf carts and 1-ton panel trucks
• Excellent communication skills
• Availability to work a flexible schedule including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Working Conditions:

• Standing during entire shift
• Fast-paced environment
• Exposure to hot & cold elements in the kitchen
• Exposure to flora and fauna on Zoo grounds
• Heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs), walking, and standing for long periods

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility; all staff must be comfortable working in various outdoor conditions. The organization follows Environment Canada’s advice regarding temperature and air quality issues.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is a no-smoking environment, including vaping.

What We Offer:

• Discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit program
• A fun, rewarding work environment in a park full of wild animals

Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position matches your skills, experience, and attributes, we want to hear from you.

Apply by doing the following:

1. Watch this video about conservation work at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
2. Submit your resume with an optional cover letter via our online application system.
3. Complete the application questions:
   • When is your available start date?
   • List any time off requirements during this contract
   • Do you have any scheduling restrictions we should know about?
   • Do you hold a Class 5 Driver’s License?
   • Describe your experience cooking for banquets or large events in 1-2 sentences.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

If this position is suitable for you, please apply with your resume and cover letter. The posting will remain open until the vacancies are filled.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and empowered. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to ensure all viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

All applicants are thanked for their interest. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.