Cook - Part Time - Safari Park

Posted Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM | Expires Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 10:59 AM

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 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
• 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 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
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• 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

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an  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 . If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

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