Does helping others make your day? Do you like working with children and their families? Do you feel comfortable and excited engaging in conversations with guests? Are you interested in helping our conservation efforts? Is working in Food Services of interest to you?
Note: Applicant must be minimum 18 years of age
Position Status: Part Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt Schedule: up to 25hr per week including weekend, holidays, some evenings for events Compensation: $17.30 - $19.00, DOE
SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Assistant Manager of Food & Beverage, and Kitchen Supervisor, the Cook facilitates a positive guest experience by providing fast quality service and enjoyable food to guests and employees of the Santa Barbara Zoo. Responsible for the preparation and replenishment of all items needed for the restaurant.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following:
Receives written and oral instructions concerning types and quantity of food to be prepared.
Contributes to Menu development.
Weighs and measures ingredients according to recipe or personal judgment, using various kitchen utensils and equipment.
Prepares food for consumption: this may include cutting, peeling and washing food items.
Prepares hot food items and mix ingredients when ordered according to recipes or personal judgment and experience.
Regulates temperature of oven, griddle, fryer, freezers and walk-in refrigerator.
Inspects food preparation and serving areas to ensure observance of safe, sanitary food-handling practices.
Cleans and maintains work areas, equipment, and utensils.
Operates many different types of food preparation equipment including, slicer, griddle, fryer, conventional oven and microwave.
Maintains a high standard of food preparation according to The Health Department Regulations.
Cleans and organizes the storeroom, freezers and walk-in refrigerators.
Ensures food quality.
Performs food preparation for special and private zoo activities and events in a timely manner.
Provides exceptional and consistent dining experience.
Assists in training new F&B staff as applicable.
Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual.
Applies and Exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible.
Attends monthly all-employee meetings.
SECONDARY DUTIES:
Cross-trains within department to learn and fill other positions when required.
Other duties as required or assigned.
Guest Relations
Greets every guest with a smile.
Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo.
Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly.
Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions.
Associates with guests to assist and share information.
Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures.
Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code.
Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings.
Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, our core values, and the Employee Pledge.
POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience:
Minimum 18 years of age
Prior paid experience with preparing, serving, cooking and storing food safely
Restaurant or Fast Food experience
License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
Valid driver’s license with good driving record is desirable
State Health Code Certification, ServSafe Food Handler Certification - ability to re-certify
Knowledge, Skills and Ability:
Fluency in English
Knowledge and application of health department food preparation regulations.
Ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Basic cooking skills, with knowledge of food ingredients, preparation and cooking techniques, as well as food presentation.
Ability to exercise safe work habits.
Ability to resolve complaints promptly and professionally.
Ability to develop productive and friendly relationships at work.
Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guest.
Attention to details, speed and accuracy, with prioritization, organizational and follow up abilities.
Ability to think quickly, be adaptable and flexible, and apply good judgement and problem resolution under pressure.
Ability to remain calm under pressure
Ability to exhibit our core values.
Ability to work with minimal supervision effectively and successfully
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility.
Requires the ability to negotiate the zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, and hilltop.
Must be able to lift cases in excess of 50 pounds waist high.
Must be able to stand/walk during entire shift.
Must be able to participate in all operational practices
Ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dexterity.
Ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Ability to work a schedule based on business needs.
Ability to work with all products and food ingredients involved; use all senses to ensure quality standards are met
Ability to maintain good coordination; ability to transport pots/pans of food from storage/prep areas to serving areas.
Exposure to sharp objects and hot surfaces.
Customer service orientation.
Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions.
Supportive and open employment culture.
Tools Used:
All standard kitchen utensils and equipment, food transportation and preparation equipment.
Protective and Safety Kitchen equipment (gloves, hair nets etc.)
Point of sale cash register system
Slicer
Griddle
Fryer
Microwave, conventional oven, walk in freezer, dish machine, panini press, etc.
Can opener
Chef’s knife
Serrated knife
Food processor
Dish machine
Box cutter
Cart
Radio
You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position
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The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas.