Food Service - Associate

The Great Plains Zoo is a premier cultural attraction dedicated to providing enriching and educational experiences for visitors of all ages while also championing conservation efforts. Established over multiple decades, the zoo offers a unique blend of wildlife education, recreation, and community engagement situated within a beautiful natural setting. Its food service team plays a vital role in enhancing the guest experience by providing delicious and convenient dining options. With several food locations throughout the park, including quick-service cafes, the Great Plains Zoo caters to a diverse range of guests, including families, school groups, and wildlife enthusiasts.

SSA Group, the hospitality partner at the Great Plains Zoo, has been supporting cultural attractions for over 50 years. SSA Group integrates admissions, culinary, and retail operations to craft seamless guest experiences with a strong emphasis on innovation, human connection, and operational intelligence. Their proprietary approach called 452 Hospitality focuses on creating warm, welcoming, and memorable moments for guests, making each visit special and impactful. Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, SSA Group fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment that promotes growth and opportunity for all team members.

The Food Service Associate position at the Great Plains Zoo is a dynamic role that contributes directly to guest satisfaction by supporting day-to-day food operations. Reporting to the Food Service Supervisor or Food Service Operations Manager, this role involves a mix of food preparation, customer service, food safety, and maintaining cleanliness standards. The position demands flexibility as team members provide service during regular operational hours from 9 am to 5 pm daily, including evenings for special events and summer holidays.

A critical aspect of the Food Service Associate’s role is embodying the 452 Hospitality philosophy by delivering friendly, attentive, and memorable service to guests. Responsibilities include prepping food both front-of-house and on the line, ensuring food quality and safety standards are consistently met, and participating in daily logs to monitor food temperatures and inventory. The associate ensures compliance with hygiene standards, including proper use of gloves and hand washing, to maintain a safe and sanitary environment. This role also requires strong communication skills to provide timely feedback to supervisors regarding operational or quality issues and to effectively handle guest concerns.

The position is well-suited for individuals who thrive in a fast-paced and team-oriented environment. Physical stamina is necessary as the job involves standing for extended periods, lifting and moving boxes weighing 10 to 35 pounds, and performing various operational functions. The assistant supports merchandising efforts, maintains an organized workspace, and upholds company policies to ensure a consistent and welcoming guest experience.

SSA Group offers a comprehensive benefits package including eligibility for overtime pay, an On-Demand Pay Program allowing employees access to earned wages before payday, meal plans, employee discounts, a 401(k) program with company match, tuition discounts, bereavement leave, holiday pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for certain holidays, and paid sick leave in accordance with state and local laws. The company encourages a culture of belonging and sustainability, promoting inclusive teamwork and community engagement. The Zoo and SSA Group’s combined commitment to excellence, diversity, and guest satisfaction make this a rewarding opportunity for candidates passionate about both hospitality and conservation.