Seasonal Banquet Cook

Calgary Zoo; Calgary; On-site; CAD 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise

Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan

Opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals

Job summary

Calgary Zoo is looking for fixed-term Banquet Cooks to join our Catering Back of House team. Responsibilities include preparing high-quality food service and ensuring a clean workspace. Ideal candidates will have 1-2 years of culinary experience and Food Safe Certification.

We offer a fun work environment with opportunities for growth and flexible scheduling including mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years experience in a culinary environment.
• Ability to read and follow instructions as per catering function sheets.
• Driver’s License to operate golf carts and 1-ton panel trucks.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver food service as per catering function sheet.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas.
• Support other kitchen positions when needed.

Skills

Culinary experience

Customer service

Food safety knowledge

Education

Alberta Food Safe Certifications

Red Seal Certificate

Job description

Grow your culinary experience at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and help deliver memorable moments at one of Calgary’s most unique locations! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking fixed-term Banquet Cooks who will join our Catering Back of House 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

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.
• Ensure 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 are in need of help.
• Comply 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

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.

EEO Statement

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.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

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.