Cook (Seasonal) Job at the Memphis Zoo in Memphis

Overview

Summary: Food & Beverage Cooks are responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of food items in a fast-paced and high-volume kitchen environment. The Cook's role is crucial in ensuring the timely and efficient production of food items while maintaining the highest standards of quality and taste. Necessary skills include the ability to work under pressure, follow recipes accurately, and maintain a clean and organized work area.

Essential Job Functions

• Prepare and cook menu items in accordance with established recipes and quality standards.
• Operate and maintain various kitchen equipment, such as grills, deep fryers, ovens, and microwaves, ensuring proper functionality and cleanliness.
• Ensure food preparation areas are clean, sanitary, and organized at all times.
• Monitor and maintain inventory levels of food and supplies, placing orders as needed.
• Collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure efficient and timely service.
• Follow proper food safety and sanitation procedures, including temperature controls and storage guidelines.
• Assist in menu planning and development as needed.
• Follow all health and safety guidelines, including wearing appropriate protective attire, to maintain a safe and hygienic work environment.
• Assist in training and mentoring new kitchen staff members, ensuring they understand and follow proper cooking procedures and safety protocols.
• Provide excellent customer service and interact professionally with guests and team members.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Previous experience as a cook or in a similar role preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques and culinary principles.

Competencies

• Time Management.
• Multi-Tasking.
• Attention to Detail.
• Written and Oral Communication.
• Stress Management/Composure.
• Teamwork Orientation.
• Flexibility.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Reporting Structure

Reports to Kitchen Manager, Executive Chef.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Seasonal positions are defined as temporary work to meet an organization’s temporary needs during certain times of the year and can last up to 6 months. This position can be scheduled to work approximately up to 40 hours per week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager. This position is considered non-exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.

This position regularly requires flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and weekends including early morning, daytime, and evening hours to provide coverage during Zoo hours of operation.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in the kitchen of food service venues. The work environment is fast-paced and involves exposure to warmer temperatures. Employees should be prepared to work in a busy, moderately loud, and dynamic setting.

Physical Demands

This position requires frequent standing/walking/bending/kneeling and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 30 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other duties

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive and additional duties may be assigned, or existing duties may be modified, at any time to meet the needs of the organization.

Other Requirements

• Clear background check.
• 18 years or older.

Benefits & Perks

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see the Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.

EEOC and Inclusion Statement

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered. Memphis Zoo Careers page: Memphis Zoo Careers.