San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance logo

Food Server - Part Time -San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Part-time
Hourly
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Compensation

Hourly
Exact $19.50
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Day Shifts
Weekend Shifts
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Benefits

Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Family passes
Complimentary tickets
Free parking
Local discounts
Employee assistance program
Wellness Program

Job Description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a renowned international nonprofit conservation organization committed to the preservation of wildlife and their habitats. With two iconic locations, the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the organization integrates wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions that impact global biodiversity positively. The Alliance serves as a leader in conservation efforts while offering unique wildlife experiences to millions of visitors each year.

The Food Server role, based at the Safari Park in Escondido, California, offers an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to the guest experience while supporting the mission of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. This position involves engaging with restaurant guests by taking and serving food and beverage orders, greeting visitors warmly, and ensuring all assigned tables and dining areas are kept clean, orderly, and safe. Reporting to the Lead Food Server, Manager, and Supervisor, the Food Server functions as a vital team member dedicated to providing exceptional customer service in a lively, fast-paced environment.

This role requires applicants who are passionate about hospitality and excited to be part of a dynamic team that values genuine guest interaction and quality dining experiences. The Food Server must be adept at multitasking, working collaboratively with colleagues, and handling difficult situations with professionalism and tact. Responsibilities also extend to preparing select menu items such as salads, appetizers, and desserts, offering expert advice on menu selections including wine, premium beers, and specialty cocktails, and complying consistently with all organizational and health department standards.

In addition to day-to-day operations, Food Servers may assist in special events and help onboard new personnel, contributing broadly to a culture of excellence and teamwork. Individuals with prior full-service or fine dining restaurant experience will thrive, especially those comfortable with cash handling, inventory control, and maintaining rigorous sanitation and safety protocols.

This part-time, hourly union position offers a wage of $19.50 per hour, with flexible scheduling that includes weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays. The role requires employees to be at least 18 years old. Employees benefit from unique perks such as free admission to both the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, family passes, complimentary tickets, free parking, local and in-house discounts, employee assistance programs, and wellness initiatives. These benefits underscore the organization's dedication to its workforce's well-being and community connection.

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance fosters a culture of belonging and diversity, valuing differences as the strength that enhances employee experiences and community relations. The organization is an equal opportunity employer, committed to non-discriminatory hiring practices for all qualified applicants. Reasonable accommodations are provided to applicants with disabilities to facilitate the application process.

If you are eager to grow your hospitality career while contributing to a world-class conservation mission, this Food Server position at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers a fulfilling and vibrant work environment. Join a supportive team that champions both wildlife conservation and outstanding guest service, making every visitor's experience memorable and meaningful.

Job Requirements

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Maintain a passing grade on the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health Food Handlers exams
  • Compliance with SDZWA and Health Departments uniform standards
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Ability to handle cash and credit card transactions
  • Must be reliable and service-oriented

Job Qualifications

  • At least one year of full service or fine dining restaurant experience
  • Knowledge of wine, premium beers and specialty cocktails
  • Familiarity with standard menu items and daily specials
  • Cash handling procedures
  • Safety and sanitation methods used in the preparation and serving of food
  • Basic inventory controls and best practices
  • Basic usage and care of standard kitchen equipment and utensils
  • Guest service standards and policies
  • Ability to operate and understand cash register system
  • Proficiently handle cash and credit card transactions
  • Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
  • Make simple arithmetic calculations
  • Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
  • Interact tactfully and courteously with guests and employees
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize to meet the demands of business
  • Experience working in a high volume, fast-paced environment
  • Experience working competently with large diverse groups of people
  • Ability to perform required clean-up work

Job Duties

  • Welcomes and greets guests
  • Takes and serves food and beverages orders tableside
  • Prepares certain menu items including salads, appetizers, and desserts
  • Advises customers regarding menu items
  • Make customer service a top priority
  • Politely and professionally answers guests' questions regarding the Zoo or Safari Park
  • Professionally handle difficult situations with employees and guests
  • Keeps assigned areas clean, orderly and in a safe condition
  • Assists new personnel as needed
  • Assists (Lead, Cooks, Manager and Supervisor) as needed
  • Assists with special events when needed
  • Compliance with the SDZWA and Health Departments uniform standards
  • Maintains a passing grade on the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health Food Handlers exams
  • Maintains a passing grade on the Environmental Health Department tests
  • Adheres to all SDZWA and department policies and practices
  • Performs related duties and responsibilities as required

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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