Join our People Services team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo grow your payroll experience! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a fixed term, full-time People Services Intern (Payroll) who will the People Services Intern provides administrative and project-based support to the Payroll and Human Resources teams. This role includes assisting with day-to-day payroll operations, file management, talent acquisition tasks, and HR-related systems.

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 2026
• End Date: End of August 2026

What you will do:

Payroll tasks

• Assist with bi-weekly payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with organizational policies and legal requirements.
• Verify and input data for new hires, job changes, and terminations, maintaining accurate payroll records.
• Assist with filing, record maintenance and conducting file audits.
• Respond to basic payroll and benefit inquiries from employees in a timely manner.
• Support in documenting payroll and benefits procedures and process improvements.
• Other related duties and projects as assigned.

HR tasks

• Assist with coordinating the organization-wide Step Challenge
• Assist with talent acquisition tasks, including job postings, resume reviews, interview scheduling, reference checks, and contract preparation.
• Assist with maintaining and updating data within the HRIS
• Provide general administrative support to the Human Resources department, including recognition and engagement event logistics and other human resources related initiatives.
• Other related duties as assigned.

What you will bring:

• Currently pursuing or recently graduated from a certificate, diploma, or degree in Payroll, Accounting, Human Resources or related field is preferred
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Data entry experience is an asset
• Experience with Sharepoint is an asset
• Experience with HRIS systems, specifically ADP, is an asset
• Comfortable learning new systems and platforms
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Knowledge of payroll legislation and regulations is an asset
• Experience working in an office environment is preferred

Working Conditions:

• Shared office environment with intermittent outdoor mobility across the zoo
• Team oriented working environment
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Periods of stress due to time sensitive deadlines with conflicting priorities

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 an optional cover letter via our online application system.
• Fill in the Application questions:
  • Confirm eligibility to work in Canada
  • If hired, when would you be available to start?
  • 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 March 16, 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.