Start your next adventure at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo!! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a Seasonal Host at Grazers who is primarily responsible to welcome and warmly greet customers upon arrival and manage the efficient and timely seating of our guests to a table in the dining establishment including the patio.

The Grazers Hosts are part of the team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo's seasonal restaurant, Grazers, helping to create a welcoming environment from the first "Hello!"

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.

• Start Date: June 2026
• End Date: September 2026

What you will do:

• Welcome customers to the establishment
• When immediate seating is unavailable, records customers’ names and number of people in the party
• Call out name and number of party when tables become available
• Provide customers with estimated waiting time, always maintaining a professional, courteous attitude when confronted with hostile, impatient or irate guests
• Accommodate special seating requests for customers whenever possible
• Seat customers based on guest preferences and balancing of customer flow in service stations
• Explain the restaurant concept to customers
• Upon seating, offer customers a menu and inform them of their server’s name. Inspect table for proper presentation and completeness
• Relay messages to servers and bus-persons as needed
• Maintain supplies of mints/candy and toothpicks at the host stand
• Clean menus of food and stains
• Clean high chairs and boosters of food and stains
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Restaurant Team Leader/ Restaurant coordinator
• Thank guests as they leave and invite them to return. Relay customer comments or suggestions to the Restaurant Team Leader

What you will bring:

• Previous restaurant experience considered an asset
• Must be a team player and demonstrate organizational skills
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and confidence
• Excellent verbal skills to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with customers
• Friendly, outgoing personality
• Independent worker

Working Conditions:

• Required to work both indoors and outdoors
• Able to work in a fast paced environment
• Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time
• Be flexible and willing to assist as needed to ensure all restaurant standards are met
• Must be able to work weekends & holidays

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 a cover letter via our online application system.
• Fill in the Application questions:
  • Are you legally authorized to work in the Canada?
  • If hired, how long would you need from time of offer to start? When would you be available to start?
  • What is your desired salary/wage?

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 June 3, 2026.

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 they will be contacted once applications have been reviewed and a final decision has been made.