Food Service Cook — Fast-Paced Kitchen, Guest-Focused

Colonial Group; Jacksonville (FL); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-Demand Pay

Meal Plan & Employee Discounts

401(k) company match

Tuition Discount

Bereavement Leave

Holiday pay

Paid sick leave

Job summary

SSA Group is seeking a Food Service Cook at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Jacksonville, FL. The role supports daily kitchen operations, prep, and guest service, with a focus on safety and quality standards.

The ideal candidate brings 1–2 years of food preparation experience, strong teamwork, and flexibility for varied hours. Responsibilities include meal prep support, menu familiarity, dishwashing assistance, and maintaining a clean, safe work environment.

Qualifications

• 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).
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Live out 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client.
• Supports restaurant prep (BOH and line) for daily operation.
• Meets daily quickservice, food service, safety and quality, availability, merchandising and guest service standards.
• Ensures proper food quantities are set for daily and ongoing service.
• Participates in safety logs including food temperatures, rotation and waste as necessary.
• Ensures proper uniform, hygiene, hand-washing and glove use with self.
• Maintains a SSAfe work environment by abiding to all SSAFETY rules.
• Follows through daily prep and items lists, as assigned.
• Actively helps to support operation in assigned role, supporting holes as necessary.
• Actively and efficiently responds to guest and client feedback, with report to the supervisor to ensure that any potential complaints are mitigate against further occurrence.
• Communicates up to the Restaurant Supervisor and/or Food Operations Manager in regard to any issues seen with daily service or quality.
• Remains knowledgeable of all menu items, prices and specials for sharing with guests.
• Assists with dishwashing as necessary.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.
• Maintains a clean, safe and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Team player

Flexibility

Initiative

Stamina

Job description

SSA Group is seeking a Food Service Cook at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Jacksonville, FL. The role supports daily kitchen operations, prep, and guest service, with a focus on safety and quality standards.

The ideal candidate brings 1–2 years of food preparation experience, strong teamwork, and flexibility for varied hours. Responsibilities include meal prep support, menu familiarity, dishwashing assistance, and maintaining a clean, safe work environment.