About

• Join our team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and grow your experience at one of the most unique sites in Calgary!  The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking seasonal full-time Summer Camp Team Leads who will be responsible for assisting with the implementation of the summer camp program, focused on assisting the Youth Program Coordinator and camp leaders in daily activities. Be part of inspiring the next generation of conservationists by joining our Conservation Education team!

• 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: End of April 2026
• * End Date: August 2026

What you will do

• Staff Assistance

• * Assist with developing and delivering training activities, sessions, tours and team builders during the two weeks of staff training
• * Deliver weekly orientation sessions to camp volunteers. Provide mentorship and coaching to volunteers in addition to coordinating their camp assignments and weekly debrief
• * Assist with daily staff meetings as required and communication between camp staff and other members of the department
• * Oversee the morning check-in with camp leaders (including before care leaders) and monitoring client communications. Make any changes to schedule assignments as staffing needs warrant
• * Provide day to day support for camp staff, including conducting formal and informal observations and contributing feedback alongside the Youth Program Coordinator for seasonal evaluations
• * Act as key point of contact for internal departments, assist leaders with any client communication needs and camper support, troubleshoot schedule adjustments
• * Contribute building and maintaining team unity through team builders and other activities throughout the season.

• Program Development

• * Assist with the development and evaluation of outcome-based themes, age appropriate conservation and educational content for youth ages 4-14

• Administration

• * Assist with client communication, weekly report generation and data entry for internal booking needs
• * Support the delivery of evaluations and surveys for participants and caregivers
• * Maintain camp inventory and assist with purchasing and budget monitoring
• * Assist with and coordinate camp clean-up

• What you will bring:   

• * At least 2 years background in natural history, zoology, biology, recreation/leisure and/or education acquired via university, college or equivalent work experience
• * Experience working with children/youth 5-14 years old; preferably in a camp setting
• * The ability to present information about nature and nature conservation in an entertaining and educational manner
• * A background in any of the following is an additional asset: leading tours, storytelling, leading sing-a-longs, leading games and activities, and/or presenting zoo education programs
• * Knowledge of the natural history of Alberta is an asset
• * Knowledge related to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and its collection is an asset
• * Demonstrable engaging oral and written communication skills
• * Demonstrable commitment to providing exceptional customer service
• * Successful candidate must be in possession of a First Aid certification

Additional Requirements

• * Successful candidates must provide a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search prior to their first day of work

• Working Conditions:   

• * Requires considerable on-grounds mobility where there are long periods of time spent on foot indoors and outdoors in all weather
• * Pulling a wagon of educational resources on grounds to classrooms
• * Some lifting may be required
• * This seasonal position has very limited flexibility for multiple days off due to the condensed nature of the program

• 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:    

• 1. Watch this video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0] about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)  
• 2. Submit your resume with an optional cover letter via our online application system. 

3. 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 Standard First Aid certification or higher?
• * Please briefly describe how your experience and skills would align with this position.
• * 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 11, 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.