Catering - Server

SSA Group; Brookfield (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-Demand Pay Program

Meal Plan

401(k) with 15% company match

Tuition Discount

Bereavement Leave (up to 8 hours)

Holiday pay 1.5x

Paid sick leave

Job summary

SSA Group is seeking a Server – Catering in Brookfield, IL, to join the 452 Hospitality team. You will serve guests, coordinate with kitchen and expo staff, and ensure high-quality guest experiences across catered events.

The role emphasizes flexibility, strong communication, and a proactive, energetic approach. You will work varied hours, including nights and weekends, and contribute to a safe, organized event environment.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to remain organized in a fast-paced environment.
• Team-oriented with a positive, energetic attitude.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift 10–35 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Serve guests according to requested serving style under supervision.
• Coordinate with expo and kitchen staff to ensure accurate orders.
• Maintain knowledge of menu items and dietary information for guests.
• Provide warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences to guests and clients.
• Oversee quality, product levels, and inventory for events.
• Fulfill guest needs promptly and handle complaints effectively.
• Ensure proper setup, execution, breakdown, and cleanup of events.
• Support back-of-house and front-of-house duties for productivity.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Team player

Flexibility

Physical stamina

Evening/weekend availability

Job description

Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road- Bldg A Dock 1, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Who are we :

At SSA, we believe our work matters because the people do. For more than 50 years, we've helped create experiences that leave people feeling connected, inspired, and reminded that fun still matters.

Whether you're looking for your first job, building your career, or bringing years of experience to a new role, you'll be part of a team that values your ideas, supports your growth, and encourages you to make an impact. More than 54% of our leaders are promoted from within, reflecting our commitment to investing in people and creating opportunities to succeed.

SERVER – CATERING

For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused.

We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey.

Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities

Reports to: Catering Supervisor(s) and Catering Manager(s)

Responsibilities

• With direction of supervisors and/or managers, serve guests according to the requested serving style.
• Communicate with expos and kitchen staff to ensure orders are correct.
• Remains knowledgeable of all menu items and dietary/allergy information for sharing with guests.
• Live out 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest an client.
• Oversee quality, product levels and inventory of product.
• Fulfill guest’s needs quickly and efficiently as well as resolve complaints effectively.
• Meet expectations of proper setup, execution, breakdown, and cleanup of each catered event.
• Execute back of the house, front of the house and side work duties for overall productivity of banquet events as assigned.
• Ability to express knowledge of menus, food presentation, and food service techniques with guest service in mind.
• Perform strenuous manual labor as required (equipment storage, event setup, tear down of tables and chairs).
• Support placement, movement and storage of rental orders, buffet cards, and catering items.
• Support Catering Supervisor(s) and Catering Operations Manager with problems during events and provide creative solutions.
• Maintain a friendly and approachable attitude towards the client, guests, and staff.
• Communicate clearly and openly with leaders for overall success.
• Display a sense of urgency at all times.
• Uphold a professional appearance and mannerism.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.

IDEA + Belonging

• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units.
• Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
• Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
• Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back .

Job Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Ideal candidate is a team player, personable, professional, upbeat and energetic, and takes initiative.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (10-35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

Previous Experience

• Catering and/or event industry experience a plus.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. The General Manager reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)

Compensation and Benefits

• Eligible for overtime pay.
• On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
• Meal Plan & Employee Discounts at applicable locations.
• Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods).
• Tuition Discount through Partnership College.
• Up to 8 hours of Bereavement Leave
• Holiday pay of1.5× the regular rate is provided for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
• Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.

Locations include: Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C.. Colorado: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Maryland: Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, as required under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Washington: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, in accordance with the Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time.

SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.

All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").

San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" documentfor more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.

SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.

All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").

San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" documentfor more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.