Line Cook - Full Time - San Diego Zoo

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 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 the Senior Line Cook and Sous Chef.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Assists chef and Senior Line Cook in the overall planning and supervision of the kitchen
• Understands and Executes Complex Recipes
• Ensures Correct Plate Presentation
• Maintains Speed of Service
• Assists chef in menu planning
• Prepares and cooks menu items
• Ensures that preparations are complete for the day's menu
• Prepares main and side dishes for banquets and buffets
• Follows proper plate presentation and garnish set up for all dishes
• Ensures that the kitchens are maintained in a clean and orderly condition
• Oversees daily food preparation
• Corrects issues that affect food production, service or quality
• Provides support to the chefs, manager, supervisor, senior line cook and lead of the area
• Assists with new hire training and mentors staff
• Engages in the organization’s mission and vision
• Adheres to all SDZWA and department policies and practices

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• JOB EXPERIENCE
• 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
• Experience in other restaurants and operations such as catering or fine dining; a degree in culinary arts is desirable.

• EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Completion of a commercial cooking apprenticeship or other vocational training certificate programs/ and or experience.

• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• 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
• Informational Zoo facts
• Effective customer relations skills
• Effective leadership skills
• Cook and bake food in large quantities
• Understand recipes and menus
• Evaluate food condition, doneness, and decorations
• Operate commercial equipment and utensils correctly and safely
• Train and supervise cooks and kitchen helpers
• Communicate effectively (written and verbal)
• Keep simple records
• Use cash register (as needed)
• 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
• Deal tactfully and courteously with others in a diverse environment
• Perform each essential job function at a high level

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: 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: $17.79

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.