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Kitchen Helper - Part Time - San Diego Zoo

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 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 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: San Diego, 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: $19.50
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.

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