Seasonal Horticulture Worker

Take the next step in your horticulture journey 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 seasonal Horticulture Workers to join our talented team and enhance the visitor experience on our beautiful grounds.

The seasonal Horticulture Worker is responsible for the maintenance of outdoor and indoor plants, grounds, and gardens in areas such as the Dorothy Harvie Gardens, ENMAX Conservatory, animal habitats, and other general grounds areas.

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: May 2025
• End Date: September 2025

What you will do:

• Maintains the gardens, grounds and plant area at the Calgary Zoo as directed by the Supervisor; duties include weeding, planting, dead heading, digging, raking, watering, light pruning and other garden maintenance tasks.
• Priority tasks include daily ice checks and sanding, and snow removal in winter months
• Assists in dismantling of necessary equipment and supplies for ZOOLIGHTS in a timely, efficient and safe manner
• Operates and maintains power equipment/mobile equipment such as trimmers, blowers, tractors, and attachments
• Responsible for use and care of hand and power tools
• Identifies potential safety hazards
• Answers public inquiries about plants and gardens and provides general Zoo information.
• Works with garden volunteers on tasks assigned by the supervisor.
• Attends department meetings, training sessions and zoo functions as required

What you will bring:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required
• Class 5 Driver's License is required
• Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship is an asset
• Experience in Landscaping or groundskeeping is an asset
• Experience operating small and large equipment is an asset
• Flexibility to perform tasks around a busy event schedule
• Strong communication and organizational skills

Working Conditions:

• Various weather conditions, including extreme cold weather and physical work in very hot weather
• Uneven, slippery surfaces
• Fumes from equipment
• Noise while operating equipment, vibrations
• Change in priorities including addressing visitor engagement inquiries
• Bending, squatting and kneeling
• Lifting and carrying
• Walking to jobsites on 125 acre grounds
• Movement such as raking, shoveling and pruning
• Pushing and pulling, weighing from 10-40 lbs, unassisted
• Awareness of safety of public, animals and coworkers; listening, visual
• Listening to understand tasks and public inquiries
• Working in very busy public setting; listening and visual
• Required at times to wear PPE

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:

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 are you available to start?
   • What are your hourly wage expectations?
   • Briefly describe your experience in landscaping and/or horticulture.
   • Please confirm if you have a Class 5 Driver's License.
   • Fill in your availability

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. Applications will remain open until positions are 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