Cook - Part Time - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A renowned conservation organization is seeking a passionate Cook to join their team. In this role, you will prepare and cook a variety of food items for guests at the iconic San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Your culinary skills will help enhance the visitor experience while supporting the mission of wildlife conservation. This position offers the chance to work in a vibrant environment surrounded by nature and wildlife, with the opportunity to inspire others about the importance of conservation. If you have a love for food and a desire to make a difference, this role is perfect for you!

Benefits

Free admission to the San Diego Zoo

Family Passes

Complimentary Tickets

Local and In-House Discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness Program

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Experience in culinary school or full service restaurant required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items and other dishes.
• Serve food and beverages, and supervise kitchen helpers.
• Follow food orders and maintain sanitation standards.

Skills

Culinary techniques

Food handling skills

Sanitation and safety methods

Leadership skills

Inventory control

Recipe understanding

Education

Culinary school

Experience in full service restaurant

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Cooking utensils

Job description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Cook under general supervision performs a variety of moderately difficult duties in the preparation and cooking of a variety of food items served in the various retail food service operations. This position reports to the Chef.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Serves orders for food and beverages
• Prepares and cooks menu items and other dishes
• Follows food orders
• Portions, arranges, and garnishes food
• May coordinate and supervise other food service employees
• May serve food at food stands and perform cashier duties

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for this position.

• JOB EXPERIENCE
  • Culinary school and/or experience working in a full service restaurant; techniques, knowledge of equipment, basic food handling, preparation, and cooking skills.
• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
  • Proper preparation and cooking methods for a wide variety of food items
  • Commercial kitchen equipment and utensils
  • Sanitation and safety methods for food preparation/handling
  • Basic inventory controls
  • Effective leadership skills
  • Cook and bake food in large quantities
  • Operate commercial equipment and utensils
  • Understand recipes and menus
  • Evaluate and determine food condition, doneness, and decorations
  • Understand and carry out instructions
  • Keep simple records
  • Supervise and train kitchen helpers

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Position Type: Hourly Part-Time Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $17.25

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail [e-mail]. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to [e-mail] and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug-free workplace.