Seasonal Chef de Partie

Calgary, AB; Calgary; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the vibrant culinary team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo as a Chef de Partie. This seasonal position offers the chance to lead food operations, ensuring high-quality service while engaging in wildlife conservation efforts. If you have a passion for culinary arts and customer service, apply today to make a difference in an exciting environment surrounded by nature!

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise

Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit program

A fun, rewarding work environment

Qualifications

• 3 or more years experience in a culinary environment.
• Red Seal certification is an asset.
• Food Safety training is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee culinary operations in absence of Executive or Sous Chefs.
• Execute all event orders including food preparation and clean-up.
• Train staff and develop recipes.

Skills

Leadership

Customer Service

Communication Skills

Education

Red Seal certification

Food Safety training

Job description

Grow your culinary career at one of the most unique sites in Calgary! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s catering department is looking for aseasonalChef de Partieto join our enthusiastic and energetic Catering Team. The Chef de Partie is responsible for oversight of the culinary operations in the absence of the Executive or Sous Chefs. They will be required to execute all event orders including hands on preparation of food, delivery, and clean-up.

Our Purpose|Take and inspire action to sustain wildlife and wild places

Our Core Values|Effective collaboration and communication, honesty and integrity, customer focus, safety, and conservation

Contract:

• Start Date:As soon as possible
• End Date: January 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
• Be a proven leader in training staff, developing recipes, and supporting a management team
• Prepare food as required, following specifications on Event Orders
• Ensure work areas is clean, including all countertops, utensils, equipment, and refrigeration in accordance with company health regulations and safety regulation
• 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:

• 3 or more years experience in a culinary environment
• Red Seal certification is an asset
• Food Safety training is an strongly preferred
• Class 5 Driver’s License is required
• Supervisory experience is an asset. Strong preference will be given to those with experience in mid to large sized operations
• Previous experience with menu engineering and food cost controlling methods
• Strong leadership and customer service skills
• Ability to work with little supervision
• Ability to operate golf carts and 1-ton panel trucks
• Ability to read and follow instructions as per catering function sheets
• Previous experience requisitioning and ordering inventory
• Excellent communication skills

Working Conditions:

• Standing during entire shift
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Exposure to hot & cold elements in kitchen
• Periodic exposure outside the kitchen on Zoo grounds
• Consistent exposure to flora and fauna on Zoo grounds
• Flexible work schedule including morning, evenings, weekend, and holidays
• Heavy lifting (up to 50lbs.), walking, and standing for long periods of time is required

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 organization follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

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

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation
• 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

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:

1. Watch this video about the conservation work being done 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. 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?
   • How many years of experience do you have in a culinary environment?
   • Please tell us about your kitchen experience.
   • Please tell us briefly about your experience with high volume cooking.

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. Applications will remain open until the position is filled.

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.