Join our fun and professional team to provide the BEST guest experience in town, connecting people with animals!
Do you have prior successful supervisory experience in the fast food or food service industry? Does juggling multiple assignments, collaborating with other departments, and engaging a busy team in a fast paced environment during meal times energize you? Does saving the natural world make your day?
If you've answered YES to all of those questions: read further and apply today!
Position Status: Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-ExemptCompensation: $16.00/hourYou must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the positionJOB DESCRIPTION
SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Manager of Food & Beverage, and Kitchen Supervisor, Lead 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:
Assist the Chef & Supervisors in daily management of the department.
Opens/closes and balances banks.
Assures all stations are prepped and ready for business. Inspect what you expect. Mise En Place!
Oversees Food and Beverage operations to ensure food prepared and served to customers is of high quality and served quickly.
Supervises PT Cook, PT FBA and PT Prep Technician.
Receives written and oral instructions concerning types and quantity of food to be prepared.
Weighs and measures ingredients according to recipe or personal judgment, using various kitchen utensils and equipment. Determines food portions.
Prepares hot food items when ordered according to recipes or personal judgment and experience.
Regulates temperature of oven, griddle, fryer, freezers, walk-in refrigerator, and other refrigeration units.
Inspects food preparation and serving areas to ensure observance of safe, sanitary food-handling practices.
Cleans and maintains work areas, equipment, and utensils.
Works with 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.
Inspects supplies, equipment and work areas to ensure efficient service and conformance to standards.
Collaborates with Food and Beverage Programs Manager in ordering and marinating the correct stock pars.
Resolves customer complaints and answers questions regarding Food and Beverage Programs.
Supervise and participate in kitchen and eating area cleaning activities.
Receives written and oral instructions concerning types and quantity of food to be prepared.
Weighs and measures ingredients according to recipe or personal judgment, using various kitchen utensils and equipment.
Prepares hot & cold 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
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 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
Cooking experience
License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
Valid driver’s license with good driving record is desirable
Valid California Food Handler’s Certificate.
Knowledge of health department food preparation regulations.
Knowledge, Skills and Ability:
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.
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.
Knowledge of health department food preparation regulations.
Basic cooking skills
Ability to exercise safe work habits.
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.
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.
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:
Slicer
Griddle
Fryer
Microwave and conventional ovens
Can opener
Chef’s knife
Serrated knife
Food processor
Dish machine
Box cutter
Standard kitchen utensils and equipment
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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.