Pastry Chef

Grow your culinary career at one of the most unique sites in Calgary! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s catering department is looking for a permanent, part-time Pastry Chef to create unique and decadent pastries for our guests.

Our catering team operates 3 kitchens, 3 banquet facilities, a BBQ tent, and a seasonal restaurant Grazers (summertime). Under the direction of the Executive Chef, the successful candidate will be responsible for creating delightful pastries for events across the facilities. In addition, the Pastry Chef will support, as needed, the preparation of select dessert items for our Concessions operations.

Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

What you will do:

• Highlight our guest experience with unique and decadent pastry
• Responsible for the creation and delivery of patisserie for events
• Under the guidance of the Executive Chef, is responsible for requisitioning and recommending orders for patisserie/pastry inventory
• Adhere to policies and procedures regarding sanitation and sanitary food handling
• Prepare food for banquets, as required, following specifications and Banquet Event Orders
• Ensure work area is clean and in sanitary condition, including all countertops, utensils, equipment, and refrigeration, in accordance with company health and safety regulations
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of all storage areas
• Support other positions within the kitchen that need help
• Comply with the organization’s health and safety program
• Perform additional duties as required
  
  

What you will bring:

• 1 to 2 years’ experience in a culinary environment – strong preference will be given to those with experience in mid to large sized operations
• 1 to 2 years’ experience with focus in patisserie and/or pastry is strongly preferred
• Class 5 Driver’s License and ability to operate golf carts and 1-ton panel trucks
• Red Seal Certification is a strong asset
• Food Safety Training is required
• Previous experience requisitioning and ordering inventory
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication skills
  
  

Working Conditions:

• Working at least 30 hours per week
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Exposure to hot & cold elements in the kitchen
• Periodical exposure outside the kitchen on zoo grounds
• Consistent exposure to flora and fauna on zoo grounds
• Flexible work schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Heavy lifting, up to 50 lbs.
• Walking and standing for long periods of time
  
  

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:

• Competitive compensation, vacation, and flex day entitlement
• Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
• Employer matching RRSP program
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• A complimentary annual pass for you and your immediate family members
• 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/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?
• What are your hourly wage expectations for this role?
• Do you have a Class 5 Driver's License?
• Do you have any scheduling restrictions we should be aware of?
• Tell us briefly about your experience with high-volume pastry preparation.
  

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 position is 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.