Join our team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and grow your experience at one of the most unique sites in Calgary! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking Catering Setup Crew Members who will deliver precise and timely setup and tear-down of banquet rooms and event spaces, including arranging furniture, equipment, and decor according to detailed floor plans. The Crew Members will deliver based on the schedule and work collaboratively to accomplish their tasks for early morning setups as well as on weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
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: September 2025
End Date: January 2026
What you will do:
Work with the Catering Setup Captain and team to set up physical banquet room and other event spaces. This includes moving and arranging tables, chairs, staging, dance floors, and other equipment according to detailed floor plans.
Assist with gathering, distributing, and organizing necessary event equipment such as linens, dishware, glassware, and audiovisual gear. Ensure items are handled with care.
Help the team conduct final checks of event setups to ensure everything is in its correct place, clean, and ready for guests.
Work effectively as part of a team, following instructions from the Event Setup Coordinator and collaborating with other departments to ensure smooth event transitions.
Adhere to all safety protocols and operational guidelines, contributing to a safe and efficient work environment
Participate in the efficient tear-down and cleanup of event spaces after functions which will help prepare for the next event.
Understand and follow verbal instructions, asking clarifying questions as needed to achieve success.
Understand the critical nature of timely event setup
Work collaboratively within the catering team to successfully set up event spaces to Banquet Event Order specifications
Other duties as assigned.
What you will bring:
While previous experience in hospitality or event setup is a bonus, we are willing to train motivated individuals who demonstrate a strong work ethic and willingness to learn
A valid Driver’s License is required
A Proserve Certification is required.
Punctual and dependable, understanding the critical nature of timely event setup.
Capable of following precise instructions and ensuring setup is accurate according to plans.
This is an active event set up position that will require lifting, pushing, and moving heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), remaining mobile/standing for extended periods, and other duties that will require active movement.
Working Conditions:
Very early morning shifts (4:00 am), including weekends and holidays, as required by event schedules.
Moving and lifting heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), stand for extended periods, and other duties that will require active movement
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?
Please list any vacation requirement for the length of the contract.
Do you hold a valid ProServe certification?
Are you available to work shifts that start as early as 4:00am?
Are you available to work shifts that go as late as 2am or 3am?
Please fill in your availability
How many hours per week are you hoping to work?
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 August 22, 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.
