Job Description

Join the 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 a

full-time permanent Security Guard 1

to help ensure a pleasant, safe, and secure experience for visitors, staff, and volunteers.


The Security Guard 1 is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo's patrons, grounds, assets, properties, and live animal collection. Security 1s are expected to perform their duties under the direction of the Security Guard 3, ensuring all operational tasks are completed efficiently and to standard. Security Guard 1s will patrol, monitor security systems, respond to incidents, and provide customer service to guests, staff, and volunteers. They play a key role in enforcing security procedures, assisting in emergency situations, and maintaining a professional security presence throughout the facility.


Security 1 are expected to follow instructions, maintain situational awareness, and communicate effectively to ensure smooth operations. Their role is essential to the success of the security team, the safety of the zoo, and the overall guest experience.

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.

What you will do:

Security & Patrol Duties

Conduct interior and exterior patrols of the 125-acre site, including off-site locations when required. Monitor security control systems, including CCTV, access control, and alarm systems. Respond to security incidents, disturbances, medical emergencies, and lost persons in coordination with the Team Lead. Assist in crowd control, parking management, and vehicle traffic direction as needed. Ensure all zoo property and restricted areas remain secure.
Team & Operational Support

Follow the Security 3's direction, ensuring daily tasks are completed on time. Attend pre-shift briefings to receive operational updates, event details, and assignments. Maintain uniform and hygiene standards, ensuring a professional security presence. Sign out and return all required keys, radios, and equipment before and after each shift. Assist in emergency procedures as directed by the Security 3 or Security Manager.
Reporting & Communication

Write clear, accurate, and timely incident and security reports as required. Report all facility issues, safety hazards, or maintenance concerns to the appropriate department. Accurately track, log, and store lost and found items according to procedures. Maintain professional communication with guests, staff, and external responders.

Guest & Staff Interaction

Provide excellent customer service, assisting guests, staff, and volunteers with inquiries or concerns. Support the zoo's mission and public image through positive guest interactions. Enforce zoo policies and procedures professionally while ensuring guest safety.
Additional Responsibilities

Wear and maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed. Perform other duties as assigned to support the security team and facility operations.

What you will bring:

Meets all industry-standard and organizational Security Guard requirements, including a valid Alberta Individual Security License, First Aid, and ProServe & ProTect certification. 1+ years of experience in security, dispatching, or administrative security functions preferred. A High School Diploma is required. A Class 5 Driver's License is required Proficient in computer skills, including Microsoft Office, record-keeping, and security log management. Strong written and verbal communication skills (English fluency required). Familiarity with security systems, including CCTV and Access Control. Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple administrative and security duties. Customer service-oriented with excellent interpersonal skills. Leadership and delegation skills Must possess and maintain a clear criminal record check

Working Conditions:

12-hour rotating shifts, including weekends, nights, and statutory holidays as required. Prolonged periods of walking, standing, and sitting, including outdoor patrols in all weather conditions. Exposure to extreme temperatures, including heat, cold, rain, and snow. Frequent physical activity, including climbing stairs, lifting, and carrying equipment (up to 50 lbs. maximum). High-stress situations, including handling security incidents, emergency responses, and operational decision-making under pressure. Extended periods of focus, including monitoring surveillance systems, and writing reports. Frequent interpersonal interactions, including engaging with guests, staff, and external agencies in both routine and high-pressure situations. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required for security and safety tasks. Requirement to remain on duty until properly relieved, ensuring operational coverage at all times.

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:

Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account Employer matching RRSP program 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/Calgary Zoo. (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:
+ If hired, when would you be available to start?
+ What are your hourly wage expectations?
+ Do you have any upcoming vacation or time off requirements that we should know about?
+ Do you hold a valid Alberta Security License?
+ Do you hold a valid Class 5 or equivalent driver's license?
+ Do you hold a valid Standard First Aid certificate?
+ Do you hold a valid ProServe certification?
+ Do you hold a valid ProTect certification?

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 7, 2025 @ 4:00pm 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.