Food Server - Part Time -San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION


The Food Server performs a variety of moderately difficult duties in greeting and taking orders from restaurant guests, serving guests, keeping assigned tables and areas clean and orderly. This position reports to the Lead Food Server, Manager and Supervisor.


WHAT YOU WILL DO

• 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

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

This position is located at the Safari Park in Escondido. 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. Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• JOB EXPERIENCE
• At least one year of full service or fine dining restaurant experience.

• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Wine, premium beers and specialty cocktails
• 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
• Operate and understand the cash register system
• Proficiently handle cash and credit card transactions
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Make simple arithmetic calculations
• Communicate effectively (verbal and written)
• Interact tactfully and courteously with guests and employees
• Work effectively in a team environment
• Multi-task and prioritize to meet the demands of business
• Work in a high volume, fast-paced environment
• Work competently with large diverse groups of people
• Perform required clean-up work

SOME OF THE REWARDS 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

• Location: Escondido, CA
• 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: $19.50

About The Salary Ranges

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.


At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests' experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.