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 Cook under general supervision performs a variety of moderately difficult duties in the preparation and cooking of a variety of food items served in the various retail food service operations. This position reports to the Chef.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Serves orders for food and beverages
Prepares and cooks menu items and other dishes
Follows food orders
Portions, arranges, and garnishes food
May coordinate and supervise other food service employees
May serve food at food stands and perform cashier duties

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.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old to be considered for the position.

JOB EXPERIENCE

Culinary school and/or experience working in a full service restaurant; techniques, knowledge of equipment, basic food handling, preparation, and cooking skills.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Proper preparation and cooking methods for a wide variety of food items
Commercial kitchen equipment and utensils
Sanitation and safety methods for food preparation/handling
Basic inventory controls
Effective leadership skills
Cook and bake food in large quantities
Operate commercial equipment and utensils
Understand recipes and menus;
Evaluate and determine food condition, doneness, and decorations
Understand and carry out instructions
Keep simple records
Supervise and train kitchen helpers

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: $22.33

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.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

Cook - Part Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park