Production Assistant and Technician - Seasonal - CZ

Calgary Zoo; Calgary; On-site; CAD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Calgary Zoo is seeking a temporary Production Assistant & Technician for the Wilder Institute's Holiday family musical. Reporting to the Theatre Coordinator, you will transport, set up and operate audio systems, and assist with props, costumes, and rehearsal spaces in outdoor performance venues.

Ideal candidates have 1+ years in technical stage craft and customer service, are 18+, and enjoy wildlife. This 18–30 hour/week role runs Nov 14–Dec 20 with rehearsals in advance, through Jan 3, 2027.

Qualifications

• Completion of High School Diploma.
• All applicants must be 18+.
• 1+ years relevant experience in aspects of technical stage craft with knowledge of audio equipment and operation.
• 1+ years' experience in a customer service environment.
• Self-motivated with an ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team.
• Previous stage management experience is an asset.
• A love of wildlife and conversation.
• Commitment to excellent customer service to ensure visitors have a positive and memorable experience.
• A high level of curiosity, empathy and the desire to learn new skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate technical equipment including daily transport, setup and operation of audio systems (microphones, mixing board, speakers etc.).
• Prop, costume and puppet maintenance including minor repairs, laundry, and storage
• Coordination of rehearsal/performance spaces including set up/strike of outdoor performance stage and pop-up tent(s)
• Assist in distribution of performance and preparatory materials such as schedules, scripts, rehearsal video, music files etc.
• Assistance with daily operations and production requirements as directed
• Maintain positive communications with staff, volunteers and visitors
• Coordinate the acquisition and/or construction of additional props, costumes, sound equipment and other performance supplies

Skills

Audio operation

Customer service

Independent work

Teamwork

Stage management

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Audio equipment

Job description

Join our team at the Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo and grow your experience at one of the most unique sites in Calgary! The Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo is seeking a temporary Production Assistant & Technician who will bring their experience in the performing arts to make memories for guests at family Christmas and holiday parties.

Our Visitor Engagement department is looking for an enthusiastic person to provide technical and production support for an original family Holiday musical as a Production Assistant and Technician. This position requires transport, set-up and tear-down of audio equipment in one of three on-site performance venues, as well as running audio sound for live performances. Performances will take place on Saturdays and Sundays November 14-December 20, with rehearsals in advance.

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.

Location:

Calgary Zoo

• Start Date: October/November 2026
• End Date: January 3, 2027
• Standard hours: 18-30 hours per week

What you will do:

• Reporting to the Theatre Coordinator, this role provides support for technical and practical operations of the theatre engagement team. Primary responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
• Maintain and operate technical equipment including daily transport, setup and operation of audio systems (microphones, mixing board, speakers etc.)
• Prop, costume and puppet maintenance including minor repairs, laundry, and storage
• Coordination of rehearsal/performance spaces including set up/strike of outdoor performance stage and pop-up tent(s)
• Assist in distribution of performance and preparatory materials such as schedules, scripts, rehearsal video, music files etc.
• Assistance with daily operations and production requirements as directed
• Maintain positive communications with staff, volunteers and visitors
• Coordinate the acquisition and/or construction of additional props, costumes, sound equipment and other performance supplies

What you will bring:

• Completion of High School Diploma
• All applicants must be 18+
• 1+ years relevant experience in aspects of technical stage craft with knowledge of audio equipment and operation
• 1+ years' experience in a customer service environment
• Self-motivated with an ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team
• Previous stage management experience is an asset
• A love of wildlife and conversation
• Commitment to excellent customer service to ensure visitors have a positive and memorable experience
• A high level of curiosity, empathy and the desire to learn new skills

Working Conditions:

• This is a high-energy role with physical requirements. Staff must be able to walk the entirety of the zoo grounds and stand on feet for extended periods of time
• Some heavy lifting is required including carrying props/puppets, pulling and pushing wagons on various terrains, and setting up/striking audio equipment
• Outdoor work in various weather conditions and temperatures including high heat, cold, rain, wind and smoke.

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 organization follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues. The Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo is a no smoking environment including vaping.

What We Offer:

• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit program
• 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.

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.