Job Description
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.
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 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 set up for all dishes
• Ensures that the kitchens are maintained in a clean and orderly condition.
• Follows proper safety and sanitation methods are consistently followed
• Prepares all 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
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
EDUCATION 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
Knowledge of:
• Proper preparation and cooking methods for a wide variety of food items
• Proper usage and care of commercial kitchen equipment and utensils
• Sanitation and safety methods for food preparation and handling
• Inventory control procedures and best practices
• Effective interpersonal skills
Ability to:
• Cook and bake food in large quantities
• Understand recipes and menus
• Evaluate food quality, doneness, and presentation
• Operate commercial equipment and utensils correctly and safely
• Train and supervise cooks and kitchen helpers
• Communicate effectively (written and verbal)
• Keep simple records
• Accurately complete the period-end inventory
• Maintain a passing grade on Environmental Health Department tests
• Work in a high volume, fast-paced environment
• Work in a team environment and motivate others in a diverse environment
• Multi-task and prioritize
• Follow directions effectively
• Be a role model in all areas of performance
• Perform each essential job function at a high level
SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
IMPORTANT DETAILS
• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $24.07
Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.
If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.
At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.
As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.
