Seasonal Line Cook

Binder Park Zoo; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Flexible hours

Free fountain soda and coffee

50% off meals

Comprehensive training

Free zoo membership

Job summary

A family-friendly zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan, is looking for a Seasonal Line Cook for the 2026 season. This role involves providing quality service in food preparation and customer assistance. Candidates need to be at least 17 years old and possess effective communication skills. Key responsibilities include preparing food to order, operating cooking equipment, and maintaining sanitation standards. Competitive wages and flexible hours are offered, along with comprehensive training and other perks. Join a dynamic team dedicated to wildlife advocacy.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 17 years old and have valid ID.
• Ability to read and follow instructions.
• Basic understanding of sanitation and workplace safety.

Responsibilities

• Prepares food that is cooked to order or kept warm.
• Operates large-volume cooking equipment.
• Maintains overall sanitation and safety standards.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work efficiently and quickly

Ability to work well as part of a team

Basic understanding of food-handling techniques

Ability to relate positively to diverse groups

Tools

Griddles & grills

Food safety knowledge

Job description

Overview

Looking for a fantastic job that is fun and rewarding? Do you enjoy working with people and helping guests have a great experience? Do you need flexible hours that work with your schedule? If so, we want to meet you!

We are looking for smiling faces to join our team at Binder Park Zoo for the 2026 season. Our mission is to connect people with nature and inspire them to conserve. We are passionate about educating on wildlife conservation and looking for enthusiastic people to be a part of the journey. Nestled in 433 acres of serene landscape, and home to over 70 different species, we are the third largest zoo in Michigan. Join our team where you will have the opportunity to work with friendly people and do something that supports wildlife advocacy. Ever work at a zoo, it’s fun! At Binder Park Zoo you will be a part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where your ideas and contributions are valued. We love what we do working at the zoo, and we think you will too.

• Competitive wages.
• Flexible hours to fit your work/life balance needs.
• Free fountain soda and coffee during your shift.
• 50% off your meals at our restaurants during your shift.
• Comprehensive training to build new skills.
• Free zoo membership.

POSITION DETAILS

POSITION TITLE: SEASONAL LINE COOK

Mission Statement: Connect. Inspire. Conserve. Connect people with nature. Inspire them to conserve.

REPORTS TO: Seasonal Food Leads or General Manager of Restaurant & Culinary Services or Restaurant Manager

SEASONAL OR NON-SEASONAL: Seasonal, Non-Benefited

FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

Provides quality service in food preparation and customer assistance throughout the zoo.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a minimum of 17 years of age and possess a valid identification.
• Ability to read and follow instructions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic understanding of or ability to learn basic sanitation and regulations for workplace safety.
• Basic understanding of or ability to learn food-handling techniques, preparation, and cooking procedures.
• Ability to work efficiently and quickly.
• Must be able to work well as part of a team.
• Must be able to work well under pressure.
• Ability to maintain personal cleanliness.
• Relate positively with diverse groups of people, including guests, staff, volunteers and vendors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares batches of food that are cooked to order or kept warm until ordered and sold.
• Operates large-volume cooking equipment such as griddles, grills, or air fryers.
• Prepares, washes, and cuts food to be cooked.
• Prepares and cooks food according to instructions provided on food order slips or through verbal directions; verifies the quality and quantity of all orders.
• Multitasks by cooking several different orders at once, ensuring that all items are prepared in accordance with customer instructions.
• Maintains overall sanitation, health, cleanliness, and safety standards for food preparation areas, cooking services, and dishes and utensils.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Comply with all Binder Park Zoo policies and procedures.
• Participate and assist in team oriented zoo projects as needed, including events as needed.
• Other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

N/A

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including extended evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, lift and move intermittently.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and ability to stand for a period of up to 5 hours.
• Ability to read, speak and write English in order to fulfill job functions in an understandable way.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.