Lead Cook: Expert Prep, Cook & Kitchen Team Coach

San Diego Zoo Safari Park; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is seeking a Cook to support our guest dining experiences by preparing and cooking menu items, following recipes, and assisting in supervising kitchen staff. This on-site role emphasizes sanitation, safety, and consistent portion control in a fast-paced food service environment.

Ideal candidates have culinary schooling or equivalent restaurant experience, with knowledge of commercial equipment and a demonstrated ability to lead and train team members.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Proper preparation and cooking methods

Commercial kitchen equipment

Sanitation and safety

Inventory controls

Leadership skills

Cook and bake in large quantities

Operate commercial equipment

Understand recipes and menus

Evaluate food doneness and decorations

Understand and carry out instructions

Keep simple records

Supervise and train kitchen helpers

Education

Culinary school or restaurant experience

Job description

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is seeking a Cook to support our guest dining experiences by preparing and cooking menu items, following recipes, and assisting in supervising kitchen staff. This on-site role emphasizes sanitation, safety, and consistent portion control in a fast-paced food service environment.

Ideal candidates have culinary schooling or equivalent restaurant experience, with knowledge of commercial equipment and a demonstrated ability to lead and train team members.