Food & Beverage Ambassador - Part Time

Does helping others make your day? Do you like working with children and their families? Do you feel comfortable and excited about engaging in conversations with guests? Are you interested in helping our conservation efforts? Is working in Food Services of interest to you?

Note: Applicant must be a minimum of 16 years of age.

Position Status: Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Up to 25 hours per week, evening shifts 4pm to 9:30pm
Compensation: $16.90 per hour

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*


SUMMARY:

Under general direction of the directors of the Food & Beverage, and the department Supervisors, the Food & Beverage Experience Ambassador facilitates a positive guest experience by performing various Kitchen duties including cleaning dishes, maintaining clean and sanitary environment, setting and clearing tables to provide a clean and tidy environment for our guests, welcoming customers, answering questions related to the menu, delivering orders, processing payments, providing excellent service and a positive guest experience to all visiting the Santa Barbara Zoo. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

Restaurant, Café, Cart:

• Reports to assigned area at scheduled time
• Exhibits a friendly and professional demeanor in all guest interactions
• Associates with guests to share information, identify their needs, and make their experience a more personal one, providing a high level of customer service and satisfaction
• Handles cash, using Point of Sale procedures 
• Answers phone calls promptly and professionally
• Explains menu items to guests and take food orders
• Serves food, beverages, or desserts to customers in variety of settings
• Operates a variety of food preparation tools and equipment
• Responsible for cleaning dishes to ensure that the kitchen has a steady supply of clean plates, bowls, silverware, plastic-ware, pots, pans and glasses
• Prioritizes loads of different types of crockery and kitchenware, hand-washing dishes, loading the dishwasher and placing dishes to dry
• Assembles, maintains and breaks down the dish machine
• Busser duties include: bringing out food orders, cleaning tables, removing used trays, dishes, plates and glasses, re-setting plastic-ware/silverware, replenishing napkins containers and other condiments as needed
• Wiping up water spills, food stains and dirt from tables and counters
• Handling cleaning of the Food and Beverage area at the close of day as needed
• Prep work
• Takes garbage and trash to dumpster area as directed
• Washes work areas, refrigerators, cooking equipment, walls and floors as directed
• Prepares and restocks all food items and supplies as needed
• Answers questions and provides a positive and fun atmosphere for guests
• Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash while out in Zoo, and report unsafe or unsightly conditions
• Promotes positive internal communication within and between departments
• Adheres to the Zoo’s Core Values
• Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
• Applies and Exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
• Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending scheduled meetings when scheduled to work
• Adheres to and enforces all Zoo Entrance policies, at all times
• Thanks the guests for their visit and continued support of the Zoo
• Keeps our Guests, Zoo family, and Animals safe by performing sanitization procedures to maintain clean, safe, and sanitized areas using specifications established by the Zoo (based on CDC, local Health Department & OSHA guidelines), while interacting with our guests and staff in an efficient and professional manner 

SECONDARY DUTIES:

• Assists other departments as needed
• Ensures consistent productive operating practices by identifying areas for potential revenue generation, reduction of costs and more efficient procedures
• Responds to emergencies quickly and follows emergency protocols
• Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with the emergency situations
• Adheres to all Zoo COVID-19 safety protocols established by the Santa Barbara Zoo and the Santa Barbara County Health Department
• Performs other duties as assigned 

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Education and Experience:

• At least 16 years of age.
• Customer service, cash handling experience, Cash Register or Point of Sale experience preferred
• Fast Food or Restaurant experience a plus
• SafeServ Food Handlers Certification, or ability to pass SafeServ Certification
• Authorized to work in the United States - At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Good verbal and communication skills
• Exhibits a positive, respectful, and friendly demeanor in all guest and coworker interactions
• Ability to place cases, pans, utensils and plates on both low and high shelves
• Ability to respond to emergency situations to avoid endangering themselves or others
• Ability to remain calm and composed in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Ability to successfully handle cash and cash register- after training
• Self-motivated and able to work without direct supervision
• Simple arithmetical calculations without the use of a calculator
• Ability to exercise safe working habits
• Available to work weekends and holidays, based on business needs
• Bilingual language skills a plus, especially Spanish

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Requires the ability to access all areas of the department
• Must be able to participate in operational practices: includes ability to lift 15-30 lbs. occasionally in the course of regular duties, climb stairs or ladders, and manipulate basic tools of the job
• Ability to stand and walk for three continuous hours and throughout work shift
• Must be able to access all areas of the kitchen
• Ability to drive cart safely
• Ability to work effectively in a busy shared, open space work environment with constant interruptions
• Ability to work in hot and damp environments, as well as outdoorsAbility to participate in Emergency Responses
• Involves working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions 
• Supportive, collaborative, and open employment culture

Tools Used:

• Standard Commercial Kitchen Machines, Equipment and Tools
• Tables, Chairs, Counters
• Cash and register POS system 
• Clipboards, pens, and pencils
• Standard office equipment
• Two-way radio
• Buzz Cart, Churro Cart
• Sanitation supplies including, but not limited to:
  • Bleach or quaternary disinfecting solution
  • Hand sanitizer
• Personal Protection Equipment
  • Gloves
  • Masks
• Electric Carts 
• Power washer

BENEFITS & PERKS: 

• Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round! 
• Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
• Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development events, and lunch & learn opportunities

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.



 
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.