Banquet Captain

Description

Inspire memorable dining and event experiences at one of Calgary’s most unique venues! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is looking for seasonal Banquet Captains to set up, deliver, and take down both internal and external events including weddings, corporate events, brunches, and more!

Banquet Captains ensure that clients have a positive experience from the time of their arrival to their departure by answering questions, following the Banquet Event Order details, and providing directing and being a resource to catering staff. Banquet Captains also support with related event administrative tasks to ensure smooth communication between themselves and the other Banquet Captains, the Catering Coordinator, Catering Assistant Managers, and Catering Manager.

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: August 2025
• End: January 2026

What you will do:  

• Communicate with the event’s client from their arrival through to their departure, ensuring the event is delivered smoothly
• Handle and deliver food and beverages during catered functions, providing service with professionalism, care and efficiency, while maintaining food safety standards and following organizational policies
• Coordinate catering staff at the event using clear, supportive, and concise directions to deliver exceptional and memorable service
• Coach catering staff for safe food handling as well as for organizational policies and procedures
• Ensure the Banquet Event Order, event signs, consumption reports, etc. are ready for the Banquet Captains and Catering Coordinator prior to catered events
• Assist with the final set-up of furniture, equipment and decor for the event based on the details provided on the event contract and Banquet Event Order
• Complete reports, event logs, and Banquet Event Orders as directed to accurately detail the consumption of food and beverage inventory, track the guest count, and other vital information for each event
• Reporting any inventory discrepancies to the Catering Coordinator
• Assist kitchen management with data entry as needed
• Actively participate in regularly scheduled Banquet Captains meetings
• Other duties as assigned

What you will bring:  

• A valid ProServe is required
• At least one year of experience in food and beverage
• At least one year of leadership or supervisory experience
• Builds rapport quickly with clients and colleagues
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others to deliver events

Working Conditions:  

• Able to work in a fast-paced environment
• May require heavy lifting up to 50lbs
• Standing and walking/moving for long periods of time
• Shifts may be scheduled on weekdays, late evenings, weekends, and holidays

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 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:
   • If hired, when would you be available to start?
   • What are your hourly wage expectations?
   • Do you hold a valid ProServe certification?
   • Do you have any significant time off requirements coming up soon that we should know about?
   • This role has a varied schedule depending on events. Do you have any scheduling restrictions or days you cannot work that we should know about?

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 August 8, 2025 at 4pm MST.  

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 only those selected for interviews will be contacted.