Job Overview

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Employment Type

Hourly
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Compensation

Hourly
Exact $15.50
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

free park admission
Discounts on park admission tickets and passes for family and friends
park discounts on food
park discounts on merchandise
Scholarship Opportunities
exclusive employee events
Giveaways

Job Description

Busch Gardens is an internationally recognized theme park known for its thrilling rides, immersive animal exhibits, and vibrant entertainment experiences. This renowned park offers guests the unique combination of exhilarating attractions and close encounters with nature, making it a destination like no other. As a part of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Busch Gardens is committed to creating a memorable experience for every visitor while upholding the highest standards of safety, guest service, and operational excellence. Located in Tampa, Florida, Busch Gardens is not just a place for fun and excitement but also a workplace where employees, known as Ambassadors, collaborate to deliver unparalleled joy and unforgettable moments. Busch Gardens fosters a workplace culture that encourages teamwork, creativity, and respect for diversity, and it offers career development opportunities as employees grow with the company. Working at Busch Gardens means becoming part of a tradition of excellence and passion for entertainment and hospitality.

This role focuses on the culinary side, inviting dedicated and dependable individuals to join the food service team as Food Preparation Associates. Eligible for a competitive compensation rate of $15.50 per hour plus participation in the Tipped Pool Program, this position plays a key role in ensuring guests enjoy high-quality food that meets the standards set by United Parks & Resorts. As a Food Preparation Associate, you will be responsible for preparing, cooking, and assembling a variety of food items, following precise menu specifications and adhering to strict safety and sanitation guidelines. This role requires advanced use of kitchen equipment including open flame char grills, smokers, steam kettles, woks, and large bakery machinery, ensuring that every dish prepared meets the highest standards of quality and presentation. Beyond cooking, you will oversee final food quality, accurately incorporate dietary restrictions and allergen information into meal preparation, and maintain clean and sanitary work areas throughout your shift. Your work will directly impact guest satisfaction and the positive memories they take away from Busch Gardens, making your contribution highly valued.

In addition to technical skills, this role demands strong multitasking abilities and professional communication with fellow Ambassadors, vendors, and guests. You will also engage in physical activities including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing and walking extensively during shifts, and working indoors and outdoors under various weather conditions. Flexibility is a key attribute as schedule shifts can vary with business needs, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as well as working in different park locations for career development. Employees in this role enjoy a fast-paced, energetic environment with the opportunity to work alongside great teammates. They also benefit from a range of exclusive perks including free park admission, discounts on food and merchandise, scholarship opportunities, and participation in special employee events and giveaways. Busch Gardens values all employees and is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to inclusive hiring practices regardless of age, race, gender identity, disability status, and more. Join Busch Gardens and be part of creating the magic that leaves guests with lasting smiles and cherished experiences.

Job Requirements

  • ability to work with all food types including food allergens in any dining facility
  • at least one year of cooking experience or combination of cooking experience and culinary school
  • basic knife skills
  • ability to pass SafeStaff training and RCS Responsible Vendor Training
  • ability to train on and use protective gear and kitchen equipment
  • ability to multitask in a fast-paced, high-production environment
  • ability to prepare special dietary meals
  • communicate professionally and effectively with Ambassadors, Vendors and Guests
  • valid state driver’s license preferred
  • in-depth food safety and allergen knowledge a plus
  • able to lift, push, pull and/or carry up to 50 lbs
  • engage in extensive walking and standing throughout entire shift and climb/ascend heights if needed
  • perform kneeling, squatting, bending floor-to-waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, simple grasp and fine hand manipulation tasks
  • able to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather including extreme heat
  • exposed to fumes, dust, odors and temperature extremes
  • perform cleaning duties including use of chemicals
  • work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays
  • flexible in work locations as per business needs and career development opportunities

Job Qualifications

  • ability to work with all food types including allergens in any dining facility
  • at least one year of cooking experience or combination of cooking experience and culinary school
  • basic knife skills
  • ability to pass SafeStaff and RCS Responsible Vendor Training
  • ability to train on and use protective gear and kitchen equipment
  • ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
  • ability to prepare special dietary meals
  • professional communication skills with Ambassadors, Vendors, and Guests
  • valid state driver’s license preferred
  • in-depth food safety and allergen knowledge a plus

Job Duties

  • prepare high quality food that meets menu specifications
  • follow all safety and HACCP guidelines
  • use proper protective gear and test food temperatures
  • oversee final prepared food quality
  • cook food using advanced kitchen equipment including char grills, smokers, steam kettles, woks, and bakery machinery
  • prepare food by cutting and chopping vegetables, fruits, and meats
  • assemble wraps, sandwiches, salads, and fruit cups
  • keep assigned areas clean and sanitary
  • incorporate knowledge of top eight allergens into dietary meals
  • interact with Ambassadors and guests delivering excellent service
  • perform other duties as assigned

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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