Kitchen Helper - Seasonal Part Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Kitchen Helper will organize and prepare food in large quantities such as salads, sauces, sandwiches, and vegetables under supervision. They will assist the cooks with the primary emphasis placed on food preparation for final meal presentation. This position reports Executive Chef, Sous Chef, Manager, Supervisor, Cook and Food Stand Lead. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Assists Lead, Cooks, Manager and Supervisor when needed
• Operates food service equipment and machines
• Maintains inventory and stock rotation
• Maintains cleanliness of food preparation and food service areas
• Assists with period end inventory
• Follows established recipes
• Use cash register as needed
• Works effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision
• Communicates with management staff on a daily basis
• Assists guests in a courteous, friendly and professional manner
• Make Customer Service a top priority
• Adheres to the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health standards
• Help to maintain a cohesive, friendly and productive work environment
• Compliance with the SDZWA and Health Departments uniform standards
• Maintains a passing grade on the County of San Diego Department of Environmental
• Health Food Handlers exams
• Maintains a passing grade on the Environmental Health Department tests

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Please note, if you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete the Responsible Beverage Service Training (RBS) within 60 days of your hire date. Training will be provided to you by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and completed on site. 

• JOB EXPERIENCE
• Prior work experience in a high volume, fast paced Food Service or Retail environment desirable. 

• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Proper preparation methods for numerous types of food
• Basic usage and care of standard kitchen equipment and utensils
• Maintenance of kitchen equipment in a safe and clean manner
• Basic inventory controls and best practices
• Cash register operation as needed
• Safety and sanitation methods used in the preparation and serving of food
• Safety rules and regulations
• Guest service standards and policies
• Assist in preparation and serving of food
• Communicate effectively (verbal and written)
• Understand and carry out both verbal and written instructions
• Work in a high volume, fast-paced environment
• Multi-task and prioritize to meet the demands of business
• Work competently with large diverse groups of people
• Professionally handle difficult situations with employees or guests

SOME OF THE PERKS 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
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
  
  

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Part-Time Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $17.00 

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. 

 Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

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. 

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.