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 Sous Chef is responsible for the day-to-day kitchen operations, people management, and banquet culinary execution at assigned location. This position reports to the Chef/Executive Chef.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
• In collaboration with the Chef/Executive Chef, will partner on oversight of kitchen staff including but not limited to interviewing, hiring, scheduling, training and development, mentoring and performance management.
• In collaboration with the Chef/Executive Chef, prepares and executes special events, banquets and themed menus.
• Participates in the execution of administrative functions including but not limited to scheduling and payroll.
• Successfully partners with Front of the House/Catering and Restaurant Management Teams.
• Participates in menu development for restaurants and banquets/catering and commissary operations.
• Responsible for daily operations of full service restaurant, banquets/catering and commissary kitchen including accuracy in product ordering, forecasting and scheduling.
• Develops best practice facility standards and provides guidance and performance expectations to meet DEH standards.
• Ensures proper equipment is in place and functional.
• Responsible for accurate recipe implementation and oversight of inventory activities.
• Monitors inventory levels.
• Ensures highest food safety standards including but not limited to correct food temperatures, conducting safety training, inspections and maintaining documentation to comply with federal, state and local food safety standards.
• Partners with Chef/Executive Chef to forecast labor usage for kitchen operations and food/supply costs.
• Ensures safe working conditions and practices, including high levels of food safety and sanitation.
• Research new products with sustainability and conservation to implement in support of the organization's mission.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

JOB EXPERIENCE
• Must have 1-2 years of prior culinary management experience.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Certification from accredited culinary program or equivalent specialized training required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of various styles of cuisine preparation and presentation.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead a team.
• Comfortable with computers and working with Microsoft Office products and ordering systems.
• Must be able to understand how to write and to read recipes and custom menus.
• Able to communicate effectively (verbal and written).
• Strong working knowledge of food safety rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of banquets/catering operations and the overall food profession.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures based on the food guidelines and industry best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks in a high volume environment with competing deadlines.

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: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position
• Salary Rate: $77,225 to $86,878

About The Salary Ranges
The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

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.