Join our team at the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo and grow your experience at one of the most unique sites in Calgary! The Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo is seeking a temporary Theatrical Performer who will bring their experience in the performing arts to the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo and make memories for guests at family Christmas and holiday parties.
Our Visitor Engagement department is looking for an enthusiastic person to join the cast of an original family Holiday musical as a Performer in a Swing Role. This Swing Role position requires that the performer is prepared to perform any of three rehearsed roles if a regular performer is unable to perform. Successful candidates will bring experience and confidence as a singer in musical theatre, and a passion for engaging and inspiring young audiences. Performances will take place on Saturdays and Sundays November 14-December 20, with rehearsal dates in advance.
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.
Location: Calgary Zoo
Contract:
- Start Date: Late October/Early November 2026
- End Date: January 3, 2027
What you will do:
- Collaborate with the Coordinator, Theatrical Visitor Engagement to create theatrical experiences, to advance the zoo's conservation brand
- Facilitate magical, memory making moments as part of our surprise and delight experiences
- Maintain a safe environment with endless enthusiasm while showcasing the zoo’s brand
- A love of conversation with people of all ages and demonstrated ability to weave in storytelling, conservation connections, and inspiring actions humans can take to support animals and the habitat they rely on
- Understanding of and a commitment to excellent customer service with every encounter, with no fear of the ability to find solutions or improvise to support a visitors' best day ever
- Willingness to listen to visitors, staff, and volunteers, continually learn, and keep up to date in a quickly changing environment
- Develop an understanding of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo animals, amenities, and conservation efforts to create positive interactions with guests
- Identify opportunities to engage with visitors and enhance their zoo experience through a lens of curiosity and taking initiative
- Participate with the creation and performance of different visitor engagements utilizing a variety of theatrical skills and styles including (but not limited to) puppeteering, singing, playing music, storytelling, character interactions, and movement
- Work constructively with zoo volunteers and collaborate to enhance the visitor experience
- 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:
- A college diploma in the Performing Arts is an Asset
- At least 1-year demonstrated experience in the performing arts is preferred
- At least 1 year in customer service is an asset
- Experience and/or comfort singing as part of a group is required. Formal vocal training is not a prerequisite
- A strong ability to collaborate with others in a high-energy and dynamic environment. Successful candidates will enjoy working as part of a close team
- The ability to play a musical instrument is an asset, particularly portable acoustic instruments such as guitar, ukelele, violin, hand drums etc.
- Experience devising and/or writing original theatrical material such as songs, scenes and stories is an asset
- Stilt walking will be required for some team members. Training will be provided.
- A love of wildlife and conversation
- Commitment to excellent customer service to ensure visitors have a positive and memorable experience
- A high level of curiosity, empathy and the desire to learn new skills
Working Conditions:
- Ability to walk across the Zoo from one habitat to another, stand on your feet for long 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’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:
- 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 video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute. (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?
- How many hours per week are you available to work?
- What is your availability throughout the week?
- If hired, what is your expected 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 our application deadline: October 2, 2026
The Wilder Institute 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 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.
