Seasonal Café Cook

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is seeking two part-time Seasonal Café Cooks to prepare recipes from scratch and deliver high-quality food and service for guests. The roles run 25–30 hours per week, starting in September 2026 and through January 11, 2027, at the Conservatory's Café and Food Truck operations.

The ideal candidate has prior foodservice and customer service experience, knowledge of safe food handling, and the ability to work long days, including weekends and

Qualifications

• Previous foodservice experience required.
• Experience in customer service within a restaurant or café environment.
• Knowledge of food preparation and equipment.
• Knowledge of food weights/measurements.
• Knowledge and understanding of safe food handling procedures.
• Proficient problem solving skills.
• Proficient written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain ServSafe certification.
• Ability to work long days, weekends, holidays, and evening hours.
• Ability to stand/walk for several hours at a time.

Responsibilities

• Opens, closes, and operates the Café and/or Conservatory Food Truck according to predetermined operational procedures and hours.
• Prepares ingredients and from scratch baked goods, soups, salads, and sauces in a fast and efficient manner, following cafe recipes and specifications while paying special attention to food quality, flavor, temperatures, date labels, and product rotation.
• Prepares orders according to menu or special request, as quickly and neatly as possible, without sacrificing food quality.
• Sets up and stocks the “Hot Line and Grab & Go” areas before opening with all necessary menu and back up items for service.
• Notifies the Executive Chef and fellow team members when any items are running low.
• Maintains focus on outstanding food and service.
• Follows Ohio Health Department guidelines regarding personal hygiene, food temperature controls, date labels, and product rotation.
• Ensures all food leaving the kitchen is fresh, properly presented, and up to café standards.
• Runs food to guests as needed.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of the work station, kitchen, truck, and storage areas.
• Communicates relevant menu and ingredient needs/information to fellow team members.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Executive Chef.

Skills

Foodservice experience

Customer service

Food preparation

Food safety

ServSafe certification

Communication

Problem solving

Stamina / long hours

Teamwork

Job description

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility—situated two miles from downtown Columbus—features glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.

MISSION

As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.

VISION

Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.

JOB SUMMARY: The Seasonal Café Cook prepares recipes from scratch while ensuring high quality food and customer service for all guests and employees of the Conservatory.

Compensation: $18/hr + tips.

Additional Information: There are two part time seasonal roles available. Schedule is 25-30 hours a week. The role will start in September and go through January 11th, 2027.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Opens, closes, and operates the Café and/or Conservatory Food Truck according to predetermined operational procedures and hours.
• Prepares ingredients and from scratch baked goods, soups, salads, and sauces in a fast and efficient manner, following cafe recipes and specifications while paying special attention to food quality, flavor, temperatures, date labels, and product rotation.
• Prepares orders according to menu or special request, as quickly and neatly as possible, without sacrificing food quality.
• Sets up and stocks the “Hot Line and Grab & Go” areas before opening with all necessary menu and back up items for service.
• Notifies the Executive Chef and fellow team members when any items are running low.
• Maintains focus on outstanding food and service.
• Follows Ohio Health Department guidelines regarding personal hygiene, food temperature controls, date labels, and product rotation.
• Ensures all food leaving the kitchen is fresh, properly presented, and up to café standards.
• Runs food to guests as needed.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of the work station, kitchen, truck, and storage areas.
• Communicates relevant menu and ingredient needs/information to fellow team members.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Executive Chef.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Previous foodservice experience required, including experience preparing recipes from scratch.
• Experience in customer service within a restaurant or café environment.
• Knowledge of food preparation and equipment.
• Knowledge of food weights/measurements.
• Knowledge and understanding of safe food handling procedures.
• Proficient problem solving skills.
• Proficient written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Servsafe certification.
• Ability to work long days, weekends, holidays, and evening hours.
• Ability to stand/walk for several hours at a time.
• Ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move objects weighing up to 50 pounds when receiving and storing food and equipment.

EEO Statement:

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.