Retail Customer Service Representative - Seasonal - CZ at Calgary Zoo

Looking for fun and meaningful work experience this winter? Join the team at the Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo as a seasonal Retail Customer Service Representative! Share a smile and add warmth to visitors experiences as they take home souvenirs and memories of their visit in 2026 - and maybe their first visit of 2027!

Retail Customer Service Representatives are responsible for performing all the daily duties in the Gift Shops including processing sales, cash handling, assisting customers, stocking shelves, cleaning, and suggestive selling. They also operate our wagon rental booth and may operate our Carousel.

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: Later October/Early November 2026
• End Date: January 2027

What you will do

Customer Service:

• Deliver service excellence by ensuring that each and every one of our guests receives a standard level of service
• Follow cash handling procedures
• Contribute as an equal member of the Retail Services team, with a focus on meeting revenue targets using a soft sales approach
• Ensure that any company information being provided to customers is timely and accurate
• Perform other duties as required
• Attend and participate in scheduled staff meetings

Store Maintenance and Merchandising:

• Assist with the re-stocking function by creating re-stock lists, unpacking orders, and stocking shelves while confirming accurate prices
• Ensure that the stores are kept clean and tidy at all times
• Ensure that each store is properly equipped with the necessary cleaning supplies and that the equipment is kept in good working order at all times
• Comply with the zoo’s health and safety program

Rental Booth:

• Instruct visitors on proper use of power chair
• Ensure cleanliness of wagons and power chairs before and after use
• Use appropriate cleaning supplies to maintain rental fleet daily: hose, power washer, soap, and bucket

Rides:

• With an emphasis on safety, providing visitors with fun and interactive rides on the Wildlife Carousel.

What you will bring

• 2 years’ experience in retail with a focus on sales
• Class 5 Driver’s License is an asset
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Outgoing and comfortable talking to the public
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Creative and problem-solving approach
• Conflict resolution skills and experience
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays

Working Conditions

• Must be able to do heavy living up to 30lbs and climb ladders
• Capable of lifting up to 40lbs; stacking wagons 3 high
• Work outdoors, even in inclement weather
• Standing during whole shift

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 organization follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues. The Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo is a 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 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 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?
  • Do you have a valid driver's licence?
  • Do you have any availability restrictions, time off, or vacation requirements for the length of the contract?
  • Fill in your general availability.
  • 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 our application deadline: October 1, 2026 at 10:00pm MT.

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.