Join the team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and have your chance to share your talent with families and audiences of all ages! Our Visitor Engagement department is looking for an energetic Performer, Theatrical Visitor Engagement to join the Wilder Bunch for musical Christmas performances for guests at corporate and family holiday parties this festive season. This role will work with our theatrical engagement team to rehearse and be ready to perform as an alternate in one of three roles if one of the regular cast is unable to perform on any of the show dates.

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: October 2025
• End Date: January 2026

What you will do:

• Collaborate with the Coordinator, Theatrical Visitor Engagement to create conservation focused, theatrical experiences on park
• Facilitate magical, memory making moments as “Surprise and Delight” experiences
• Develop an understanding of the animals, park attractions and amenities, and conservation efforts to further theatrical programming ideas.
• Work with puppets of various sizes and styles (marionette, hand puppets, backpack puppets and large scale, walking polar bear)
• Identify opportunities to engage with visitors and enhance their zoo experience through a curiosity lens
• Participate in the trial and improvement of different experiences and moments
• Work collaboratively with zoo volunteers to enhance the visitor experience
• Enhance moments with your unique skills including but not limited to puppeteering, singing, playing music, storytelling, character interactions, and movement.
• Perform all duties in a professional manner according to zoo policies and guidelines
• Maintain a safe, clean working environment for animals, visitors, and zoo staff
• Other duties as assigned to support zoo operations.

What you will bring:

• Post-Secondary Education in Performing Arts is preferred
• At least two (2) years of demonstrated experience in the performing arts
• At least one (1) year in customer service is an asset
• Experience devising and/or creating original theatrical material an asset
• Experience and/or comfortability with singing as a group is required. Specific vocal training is not a prerequisite.
• Interest and/or experience with writing songs, scenes, or performances is an asset
• Ability to play a musical instrument is an asset, particularly acoustic and portable instruments such as guitar, ukelele, hand drums etc.
• Stilt walking will be required for some team members. Training will be provided.
• A love of conversation and demonstrated storytelling ability
• Commitment to excellent customer service and the ability to find solutions to support visitors
• Student mentality, and the desire to learn new skills

Working Conditions:

• Ability to walk across the Zoo from one exhibit to another, stand on your feet for extended periods of time, and be exposed to all weather conditions and various climates
• Some heavy lifting required, pulling/pushing of wagons, and moving of supplies
• Exposure to outdoor work in all weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, or smoke
• Working indoors in climate-controlled buildings including hot and humid environments

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. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is no smoking environment including vaping.

What We Offer:

• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit Program
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of animals from around the world

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=ewuP6xA-yiA)

• Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system.

• Fill in the application questions:

• If hired, when would you be available to start?

• Do you have any vacation plans for the length of the contract?

• 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 and cover letter.  Applications will remain open until the 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 zoo’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.