Line Cook - Full Time - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Safari Park; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in San Diego is seeking a Line Cook to support high-volume food production and culinary execution. You will collaborate with the culinary team to ensure consistent plate presentation and quality while maintaining a clean, safe kitchen environment.

The role involves training new hires, assisting with inventory, and delivering meals for various service formats, including banquets and fast casual operations.

Qualifications

• Experience as a cook or fry cook; completion of a commercial cooking apprenticeship or other vocational training.
• Experience in other restaurants and operations such as catering or fine dining is valued.
• Food Handler's Card within 30 days is required.

Responsibilities

• Understands and executes recipes of increasing complexity.
• Oversees and ensures proper daily food preparation and production.
• Assists chef and culinary team in the overall kitchen and culinary execution.
• Follows proper plate presentation and garnish setup for all dishes.
• Maintains kitchens in a clean and orderly condition; follows safety and sanitation methods.
• Prepares culinary needs for banquets, full-service, and QSRs.
• Assists with new hire training and mentors staff.
• Orders supplies based on daily inventories and par sheets.

Skills

Cooking methods

Food preparation

Sanitation standards

Team supervision

Education

Food Handler's Card within 30 Days

Job description

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Line Cook performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission and vision of saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in wildlife care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature and leading the fight against extinction. The Line Cook works under minimal supervision performs a variety of moderately difficult duties and exceeds expectations in the preparation and cooking of food in large quantities. This position reports to Retail Management.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Understands and Executes recipes of increasing complexityOversees and ensures proper daily food preparation and productionAssists chef and culinary team in the overall kitchen and culinary execution.Follows proper plate presentation and garnish set up for all dishesEnsures that the kitchens are maintained in a clean and orderly condition.Follows proper safety and sanitation methods are consistently followedPrepares all culinary needs for banquets, full-service, and QSRs.Assists with new hire training and mentors staffOrders supplies based on daily inventories and par sheets

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOREDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

Education, training and/or experience which clearly demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions, knowledge and skills listed; an example would be experience as a cook or fry cook; completion of a commercial cooking apprenticeship or other vocational training certificate programs/ and or experience; experience in other restaurants and operations such as catering or fine dining; a degree in culinary arts is desirable.Food Handler's Card within 30 Days required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Proper preparation and cooking methods for a wide variety of food itemsProper usage and care of commercial kitchen equipment and utensilsSanitation and safety methods for food preparation and handlingInventory control procedures and best practicesEffective interpersonal skills

Ability to:

Cook and bake food in large quantitiesUnderstand recipes and menusEvaluate food quality, doneness, and presentationOperate commercial equipment and utensils correctly and safelyTrain and supervise cooks and kitchen helpersCommunicate effectively (written and verbal)Keep simple recordsAccurately complete the period-end inventoryMaintain a passing grade on Environmental Health Department testsWork in a high volume, fast-paced environmentWork in a team environment and motivate others in a diverse environmentMulti-task and prioritizeFollow directions effectivelyBe a role model in all areas of performancePerform each essential job function at a high level