Production Assistant & Technician

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo; Calgary; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team at a renowned wildlife conservation organization, where you will play a crucial role in bringing theatrical productions to life. As a Production Assistant & Technician, you will work in a vibrant outdoor environment, supporting technical and production elements of summer programming. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine your passion for live theatre with wildlife conservation, ensuring unforgettable performances for audiences of all ages. If you thrive in collaborative settings and are ready to make a meaningful impact, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Discounts on food and merchandise

Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan

Fun work environment with wildlife

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in technical stagecraft and audio equipment operation.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate technical equipment for performances.
• Assist in the setup and strike of outdoor performance spaces.

Skills

Technical stagecraft

Audio equipment operation

Customer service

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Audio systems

Job description

Bring your energy to the Wilder Bunch at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and get hands on experience bringing our theatrical productions to life at one of the most unique sites in Calgary! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a seasonal Production Assistant & Technician. This role is ideal for someone with either professional or academic experience in theatre production, who thrives in dynamic, outdoor environments. Reporting to the Theatrical Coordinator, you’ll support the technical and production elements of our summer programming—from running sound and maintaining puppets and costumes, to help deliver unforgettable performances for audiences of all ages. If you’re passionate about live theatre, wildlife conservation, and working collaboratively to bring stories to life, we’d love to hear from you.

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/June 2025
• End Date: September 2025
• Standard hours per week: 18-30 hours per week

What you will do:

• 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 Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo staff, volunteers and visitors
• Coordinate the acquisition and/or construction of additional props, costumes, sound equipment and other performance supplies
• Compliance with Wilder Institute/Calgary Health and Safety policies

What you will bring:

• Completion of High School Diploma
• 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/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 videoabout the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
• Submit your resume with cover letter via our online application system.
• Fill in the Application questions:
  • If hired, when would you be available to start?
  • If hired, what are your wage expectations for the position?
  • Do you have any vacation or time off requests for the duration of the contract that we should be aware of?
  • Fill in 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 through our online application. Applications will remain open until the position is filled.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives tocultivate a workplacein whicheveryonefeels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selvesto work. As a conservation organization,we respect and value the diversity of all lifeand come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. Werecognize thevalue 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.