The Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo is seeking a permanent, part-time (30-hours per week) Chef de Partie to join our dedicated Catering Back of House team! Support the Kitchen team as they slice, sear, succeed - together!
Under the leadership of the Executive Sous Chef and Sous Chef, the Chef De Partie is responsible for oversight of the culinary operation in the absence of one of these members. As a key member of the kitchen, the Chef de Partie will be required to execute all event orders as required. This may include hands-on preparation of food, delivery, and clean-up.
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.
What you will do:
- Create exceptional experiences through high quality food and superior customer service
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Adhere to policies and procedures regarding sanitation and sanitary food handling
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Be a proven leader in training staff, developing recipes and supporting management team
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Prepare food as required, following specifications on Event Orders
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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
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Maintain cleanliness and organization of all storage areas
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Support other positions within the kitchen that need assistance
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Comply with the zoo’s health and safety program
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Perform additional duties as required
What you will bring:
- 3 or more years’ experience in a culinary environment
- Supervisory experience is an asset.
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Red Seal certification is an asset
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Food Safety training is an strongly preferred
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Class 5 Driver’s License is required
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Previous experience with menu engineering and food cost controlling methods
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Strong leadership and customer service skills
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Ability to work with little supervision
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Ability to operate golf carts and 1-ton panel trucks
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Previous experience requisitioning and ordering inventory
Working Conditions:
- Able to work in fast pace environment
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Exposure to hot & cold elements
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Periodical exposure outside the kitchen on zoo grounds
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Consistent exposure to flora and fauna on zoo grounds
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Flexible work schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays
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Heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs), walking and standing for long periods of time required
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 Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.
What the Zoo Offers:
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Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement
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Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
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Employer matching RRSP program
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Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
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A complimentary annual pass for you and your immediate family members
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A welcoming and fun work environment where you can bring your authentic self to work each day
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:
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Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
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Submit your resume with an optional cover letter via our online application system.
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Fill in the Application questions:
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Confirm eligibility to work in Canada.
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If hired, when would you be available to start?
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Do you have a valid driver's licence?
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What is your general availability?
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If hired, what are your wage expectations?
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 our application deadline: August 10, 2026.
The Wilder Institute's 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.
This position is an existing vacancy within our organization. The Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo 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.
