Chef - Full Time - Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

• The Chef is responsible for assigned kitchen and banquet culinary execution.
• This position reports to the Executive Chef.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Responsible for oversight of kitchen staff including but not limited to interviewing, hiring, scheduling, training, mentoring and performance management.
• In collaboration with the Executive Chef, plans preparation and execution of special events, banquets and themed menus.
• Responsible for execution of administrative organizational requirements up to but not limited to scheduling and payroll.
• Collaborate with internal and external stake holders on menus and culinary event execution.
• Successfully partners with Front of the House/Catering and Restaurant Management Teams.
• Creates and implements new menus, standardized menu items and custom menu items for restaurants and banquets/catering operations considering current food trends.
• Responsible for daily operations of full service restaurant, banquets/catering and commissary kitchen including accuracy in product ordering, forecasting and scheduling.
• Develops best practice facility standards and provides guidance and performance expectations to meet DEH standards.
• Ensures proper equipment is in place and functional.
• Responsible for accurate recipe implementation and oversight of inventory activities.
• Monitors inventory levels.
• Ensures highest food safety standards including but not limited to correct food temperatures, conducting safety training, inspections and maintaining documentation to comply with federal, state and local food safety standards.
• Partnering with Executive Chef to forecast labor usage for kitchen operations and food/supply costs.
• Ensure safe working conditions, including high levels of food safety and sanitation.
• Research new products with sustainability and conservation to implement in support of the organization's mission.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Flexible/Adaptable experience in a restaurant or banquets/catering kitchen with responsibility for food quality, overall production, management experience.
• Experience in high volume, fast-paced kitchen operations ideally in both a restaurant and in offsite banquets/catering operations. 

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified Culinarian (CC)-ACF Certification from an accredited culinary program or equivalent specialized training required. 

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of various styles of cuisine preparation and presentation.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule at the direction of the Executive Chef in support of Full Service Restaurant, Banquets & Catering, Quick Service Stands/Restaurants on property as well as our Commissary Operations that supply food to a variety of our Quick Service Restaurants/Stands on property.
• Effective supervisory and training skills for a large culinary team.
• Strong working knowledge of banquets/catering operations and the overall food profession.
• Strong working knowledge of policies and procedures based on the food guidelines and industry best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead highly effective teams.
• Comfortable using computers with working knowledge of Microsoft Office products and ordering systems.
• Must be able to understand how to write and to read recipes and create custom menus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks in a high volume environment with competing deadlines.
• Able to handle highly complex, fast paced situations with a high level of tact and diplomacy.
• Strong working knowledge of team building techniques and successful application.
• Strong working knowledge of food safety rules and regulations.
• Able to communicate effectively (verbal and written). 

SOME OF THE PERKS 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
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences.
• Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.
• 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.
• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.

Salary

• Salary Rate: $71,200 - $78,760