Prep Cook

Calgary Zoo; Calgary; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is looking for a seasonal Prep Cook to join their team. In this role, you will prepare high-quality food for various events and outlets across the zoo while adhering to health and safety standards. The ideal candidate should have culinary experience and a passion for providing excellent customer service. Join a team committed to wildlife conservation in a vibrant outdoor environment.

Benefits

Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise

Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan

Fun, rewarding work environment

Qualifications

• 1 year’s experience in a culinary environment is required.
• Class 5 Driver’s License and ability to operate golf carts and 1-ton panel trucks.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food and ensure high quality and service.
• Maintain cleanliness in accordance with health regulations.
• Support kitchen team with additional duties.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Alberta Food Safety Training

Job description

Take the next step in your career by joining the team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a seasonal Prep Cook. As the Prep Cook, you will join a team of dedicated professionals and learn how to create exceptional culinary experiences.

Under the leadership of the Executive Chef and Sous Chef, the Prep Cook is responsible for preparing and delivering food service based on the requirements of the catering event and the needs of the concession’s outlets across the grounds.

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: June 2025
• End Date: January 2026
  
  

What you will do:

• Create exceptional experience through high quality food and superior customer service.
• Prepare food such as sandwiches, fruit and vegetable cups, salads and soups as directed and distribute to Concessions locations around the zoo.
• Ensures work area is in a clean and sanitary condition in accordance with company health regulations and safety regulations, including all counter tops, utensils, equipment, and refrigeration and storage areas.
• Support other positions within the kitchen that need help, such as banquet food preparation and dishwashing.
• Adhere to policies and procedures regarding sanitation and sanitary food handling.
• Complies with the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s health and safety program.
• Perform additional duties as required.
  
  

What you will bring:

• 1 years’ experience in a culinary environment
• Alberta Food Safety Training is required
• Class 5 Driver’s License and the ability to operate golf carts and 1-ton panel trucks
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work in a collaborative, fast paced kitchen environment
  
  

Working Conditions:

• 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.
• Exposure to hot & cold elements in kitchen.
• Periodical exposure outside the kitchen on zoo grounds.
• Consistent exposure to flora and fauna on zoo grounds.
  
  

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
• 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.

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=8J1VH1MBXm0)
• Submit your resume with an optional cover letter via our online application system.
• Fill in the Application questions:
• If hired, when would you be available to start?
• What are your hourly wage expectations?
• Do you hold a Class 5 driver’s License?
• Do you have any vacation requirements for the length of the contract?
• Please let us know your general 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 June 19, 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.