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San Diego Zoo

Line Cook - Full Time - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo, San Diego, California, United States, 92189

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Posted Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Expires Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 9:59 AM

Overview 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.

Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

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

Benefits

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

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: $23.37

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. 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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