Job Description
Join our team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and lend your security experience to creating a welcoming and safe guest experience! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a full-time, permanent Security Guard 3 who will be responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operational aspects of their team during their shift. This role ensures the safety and security of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s patrons, grounds, assets, properties, and live animal collection while maintaining operational efficiency and team accountability.
Each Security Guard 3 leads a team of two additional guards under normal circumstances but may be expected to lead teams of up to four additional guards during special circumstances. They are directly responsible for ensuring that all assigned tasks are completed on time and to standard, and are given an appropriate level of authority over their team to facilitate this. If tasks are left incomplete by their team, the Security Guard 3 will be personally accountable for completing them. However, their responsibility is limited to daily operational matters and does not extend to long-term strategic or administrative decision-making.
The Security Guard 3 acts as the primary point of contact between security teams and management, ensuring smooth communication and execution of daily tasks. Their authority and responsibility are limited to day-to-day operations, including team oversight, shift coordination, and task delegation. They will be consulted for any performance evaluations, corrective actions, or deficiencies involving their team to ensure leadership decisions are informed by those with direct operational oversight.
Security Guard 3 will receive direct training from the manager, which they will be responsible for disseminating to their teams to ensure consistency in knowledge and operational standards. They will maintain full autonomy in executing daily responsibilities while ensuring that tasks are completed effectively and on time. They are also empowered to make critical decisions and enact emergency procedures within the scope of their daily operational authority.
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:
Shift Leadership & Team Management
- Assume full responsibility for all operational aspects of their shift, ensuring smooth execution of security functions.
- Conduct a pre-shift pass-on with the outgoing team lead to exchange critical information.
- Oversee a team of two security guards (up to four in special circumstances), ensuring all assigned duties are completed efficiently.
- Conduct pre-shift team inspections, verifying uniform and hygiene standards, equipment readiness, and task assignments.
- Provide daily briefings to their team, covering key events, operational plans, and relevant updates.
Security & Emergency Response
- Ensure the physical security of all Zoo property, including perimeter, facilities, and sensitive areas.
- Monitor the security control center, including CCTV, card access systems, gate controls, and building management systems.
- Conduct interior and exterior patrols of the 125-acre site, including off-site locations when required.
- Respond to security incidents, medical emergencies, and lost persons, coordinating with management and emergency responders as needed.
- Enact emergency procedures when necessary, with the authority to make critical decisions in time-sensitive situations.
- Assist in traffic management and vehicle control in high-traffic areas as needed.
Team Oversight & Accountability
- Ensure team members review emails, event contracts, and daily assignments before starting work.
- Monitor task completion and team performance, taking direct responsibility for any unfinished work.
- Serve as the primary point of contact between the security team and management, relaying critical information both ways.
- Assist with training and professional development, ensuring team members receive and apply training from management.
Reporting & Communication
- Write clear, accurate, and timely security reports on incidents, patrols, and operational concerns.
- Report facility issues, safety hazards, and maintenance needs to the appropriate departments.
- Maintain accurate records of lost and found items, ensuring proper tracking, storage, and release of retrieved items.
- Brief the Duty Director and Security Manager on significant incidents.
Guest & Staff Interaction
- Engage with guests, staff, and volunteers in a professional and customer-service-oriented manner.
- Assist in crowd control, parking management, and public inquiries as necessary.
- Ensure security presence supports the safety, reputation, and objectives of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
- Ensure all security operations align with the values and objectives of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
Additional Responsibilities
- Carry out inspections of property and systems as assigned.
- Perform other duties as required to support the security team and facility operations.
What you will bring:
- A least 2 years of experience in security is required with at least 1 year in dispatching or administrative security functions preferred
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Meet all industry-standard and organizational Security Guard requirements, including having:
- A valid Alberta Individual Security License
- Standard First Aid & CPR certification
- ProServe certification
- ProTect certification
- A High School Diploma is required
- A valid 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, writing reports, and coordinating team activities.
- Frequent interpersonal interactions, including engaging with guests, staff, and external agencies in both routine and high-pressure situations.
- Responsibility for shift continuity, requiring seamless coordination between outgoing and incoming Team Leads.
- 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:
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Confirm eligibility to work in Canada.
- If hired, when are you available to start?
- Do you currently hold a valid Alberta Security License?
- Do you have a valid driver’s licence?
- Do you have a ProServe Certification?
- Do you have a ProTect Certification?
- Do you have a valid Standard First Aid Certification?
- If hired, what are your salary 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 23, 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.
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