Sous Chef

Wildlife Conservation Society; New York (NY); On-site; USD 68,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Wildlife Conservation Society is seeking a Sous Chef for the Bronx Zoo, on-site operations. You will provide leadership for daily food service, supervise staff, oversee inventory, and ensure top-quality production and guest experiences.

The role requires culinary expertise, strong leadership, and a focus on food safety and sustainability within a fast-paced environment at the Bronx Zoo.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of managerial experience in a high-volume food service.
• Culinary degree or certification from an accredited program.
• NYC food handlers’ certificate or ServSafe certificate preferred (may be required after hire).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Assist Executive Chef with menu planning, purchasing, and transportation throughout the Zoo.
• Assist with managing kitchen expenses by controlling inventory and reducing waste.
• Directly manage the preparation, production, and presentation of food for restaurants and catered events.
• Interview, train, schedule, coach, and support associates to standards.
• Update recipe costs and maintain the menu database.
• Maintain food safety standards per NYC Health Department and internal policies.
• Follow sustainability guidelines set by WCS leadership.
• Communicate with the culinary team to address staff, product, and process issues.
• Perform additional responsibilities as directed by Executive Chef.

Skills

Managerial experience

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Culinary leadership

Staff training

Valid driver’s license

Education

Culinary degree/certification

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Description

Position: Sous Chef Reports to: Executive Chef Position Managed: Full-Time Cook, Part-Time Employees, Seasonal Associates Location: Bronx Zoo/ On Site Department: Restaurant Department Scope: Bronx Zoo Position Type: Full-Time Salary: $68,000 - $72,000 About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS): WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission. Position Summary: This role will provide leadership for the daily food service operation and ensure all standards of planning and executing production are met. Will assist in the supervision of staff, inventory and cost controls, kitchen cleanliness, equipment maintenance, and the overall service of guests. Principal Responsibilities: (include but are not limited to):

• Assist Executive Chef with menu planning, food purchasing, and food transportation throughout the Zoo.
• Assist with managing overall kitchen expenses by managing food and supplies inventory and limiting product waste.
• Directly responsible for managing the preparation, production, and presentation of food products for restaurants. As well as assisting with catered events in these areas.
• Interview, select, train, schedule, coach, and support associates, ensuring they perform in accordance with established standards and norms.
• Assist with updating costs for recipes and maintenance of menu database.
• Maintain food safety standards in accordance with the NYC Department of Health’s requirements, as well as internal Compliance Manager’s standards and requirements.
• Follow sustainability guidelines and practices set by WCS’s Business Operations leadership.
• Communicates with Executive Chef and culinary team, providing feedback on any issues including but not limited to staff, product, and processes to ensure all goals are met.
• Perform additional responsibilities as directed by Executive Chef

Qualification Requirements

• (3) of experience in a managerial position of a high-volume food service establishment preferred.
• Culinary Degree or certification from an accredited culinary program preferred.
• NYC food handlers’ certificate and or Servsafe certificate preferred, and may be asked to obtain after hire.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Strong management skills in leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities
• Valid driver’s license

Physical Requirements:

• This role requires constant use of a keyboard, mouse, telephone, wrist movement, neck motion, walking, standing, and lifting or carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent finger manipulation is required for tasks such as data entry and handwriting. Employees may occasionally sit, climb stairs, and drive as needed.
• The position involves regular physical activity and mobility throughout the workday, with the ability to perform a range of lifting and carrying duties.

Workplace Conditions:

• This role is performed indoors and requires working closely with others in a fast-paced, sometimes noisy environment.
• Employees must be able to move between multiple tasks and work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer: WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies. Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work. Salary Range $68,000 - $72,000