Banquet Lead - Full 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 Banquet Lead under direction oversees event execution including a variety of moderately difficult duties in the serving of food orders to customers, setting and clearing properly; presents and serves food and beverages in an attractive, safe and efficient manner. This position reports to the Retail Management. This position requires constant fulfillment of all facets of catering to ensure customers at the Zoo or the Safari Park are served in a prompt, courteous and efficient manner; must assist the Retail office in clarification of details of catered events and recommend improvements to enhance service or customer satisfaction. Responsible for execution of "Best in Class" Banquet events.  May assist in other Retail outlets as needed.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Event Execution – Responsible for oversight of event operations and employees, room setup and reset, food and beverage execution and coordination of catering events ensuring the highest standards of hospitality. Oversees the execution and fulfilment of event according to the established banquet booking order. Adapts to last minute schedule or contract changes. Transportation of banquet food and supplies and communicates effectively with Chef/Back of House team. Completes event orders and associated paperwork in a correct and timely manner.
• Employee Oversight - Oversees banquet employees including, but not limited to, training, mentoring, and coaching. Works with other organizational departments to ensure successful execution of all banquet events. Facilitate a positive environment amongst staff, an environment where professional ideas are encouraged. Coaches and develops talent through the understanding of different learning styles and provides performance feedback. Ensures team’s compliance of safety, banquet execution best practices, sanitation and alcohol awareness standards.
• Guest Service – Ensures team is providing “Best in Class” guest service including greeting guests upon arrival to venue and escorting guests to and from scheduled activity locations. Educates team to advise guests regarding menu items.
• Facility Upkeep - Cleans and maintains Banquet equipment and facilities. Assigns tasks and completes cleaning logs. Follow best practice standards established by Retail Management.
• Inventory – Oversees inventory. Orders items and supplies for events. Operates point of sale and inventory system.
  
  

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
JOB EXPERIENCE

• Education, training, or work experience which would perform the essential duties, knowledge and skills outlined; Lead and supervise responsibilities; effective customer service skills; an example would be two or more years of experience working in a Zoo or Theme Park environment preferred.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma Required
• RBS Training within 30 days
• Food Handler’s Card within 30 days
  
  

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Methods, materials and equipment used in food service
• Safety rules and regulations
• All menu items including ingredients and cooking methods
• Inventory controls, procedures and best practices

• Basic computer usage
• Effective leadership practices
• Operates and understand the point of sale and inventory system
• Keeping accurate and detailed records
• Multi-task and prioritize to meet the demands of business
• Work competently with large groups in a diverse environment
• Perform each Essential job function at a high level
• Understand and carry out instructions
• Communicate clearly and positively concerning all facets of a function

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 Full-Time Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union 
• Hourly Rate: $30.74 

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.