Line Cook - Part Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park (Mkutano)

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 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.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• 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

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Mkutano House is an upcoming restaurant concept built around community, connection, and exceptional guest experiences. As a scratch kitchen specializing in modern fusion cuisine, we emphasize fresh, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients, paired with an innovative communal dining service model.

We are seeking passionate, reliable, and service-oriented individuals who are excited to help bring this vision to life from the ground up. If you excel in a fast-paced environment, take pride in your craft, and believe outstanding food is best enjoyed alongside genuine hospitality, you will find a strong sense of purpose here. This is more than a position—it is an opportunity to grow with a dedicated team, help shape a new dining destination, and contribute meaningfully from day one.

• 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

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: Escondido, 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: $24.07 
  

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.