How are we organized?

The Calgary Zoo is staffed by two different employers - the City of Calgary, and the Calgary Zoological Society.  The City employs most of the Zoological and Botanical Operations staff; the Society employs the rest - Facilities, Administration, Human Resources, Education, etc.  If you would like to be part of the team, click here to see positions available within the Society, or visit the City of Calgary website for available zoological or botanical positions.

City Departments

Training, talent, and tenacity are three key ingredients for landing a job within our Zoological Operations (Animal Care), Veterinary Services, or Botanical Operations Departments.  Please visit the City of Calgary website for more information on available positions.

Botanical Operations Department

This department is responsible for the development and maintenance of all plant collections throughout the grounds and enclosures, including the Conservatory, Dorothy Harvie Gardens, grounds and all animal habitats. Gardeners and habitat gardeners are part of this department as is the horticulturist, though the horticulturist is employed by The Society.

Devonian Wildlife Conservation Centre

This is an off-exhibit facility of 320 acres located approximately five miles south of the city limits. The goal of the Conservation Centre is to provide backup breeding herds for exhibited animals and to provide a facility to expand our mandate in behavioural research and contribute to conservation programs through research and breeding. Employees are chosen from Animal Care staff.

Zoological Operations/Animal Care

This group is charged directly with the responsibility for the day-to-day maintenance and housing of the animal collection. Areas of responsibility include supervision, technical services and commissary purchasing. The Zookeeper Apprenticeship program is only available to the Animal Care staff.  Click here for more information on becoming a zookeeper.

Society Departments

Conservation Outreach

The Conservation Outreach Department is responsible for our external conservation projects; Eco-tour programs; our "Sister" zoo relationship in South America; and public and media conservation related presentations.

Development Department

This department plans and coordinates fundraising through annual and capital campaigns directed at a variety of audiences (corporations, foundations, individuals and government).

Education Department

The Education Department is responsible for all aspects of educational and interpretive programming. The department employs seasonal interpreters and various personnel for specialized programs.

Facilities Department

Both capital construction projects and regular zoo building maintenance are coordinated through the Facilities Department. This includes preventive maintenance and major and minor repairs. Projects are undertaken by staff or by tender, depending on the project in question. This department employs various trades people such as labourers, electricians, plumbers, etc.

Guest Services

This department employs upwards of 150 staff during peak times. The areas that come under the umbrella of Guest Services are food services, gift services, admissions, memberships and catering.

Human Resources

This department develops, organizes and oversees many employee programs including recruitment and payroll for Society employees.

Marketing & Community Relations

The staff in this department include marketing specialists, communications specialists and group sales coordinators. This department is responsible for all marketing, advertising, promotions, special events, group sales, public communication and media relations.