Catering - Associate

Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, California, United States of America Job Description Posted Friday, October 10, 2025 at 7:00 AM Catering Associate Who are we: SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. With pillars of focus like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, SSA is transforming the cultural attraction industry. SSA was built by families, for families, with a family’s sense of love and dedication. We don’t just rely on the best practices in our industry, we customize best practices for each partner to set the bar higher and higher, always. We do all we can to further the mission of our partners because their guests and the communities they serve, deserve it. Position Title: Catering Associate Reports to: Catering Supervisor(s) and Catering Operations Manager Responsibilities Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client. Oversee quality, product levels and inventory of product. Fulfill guest’s needs quickly and efficiently as well as resolve complaints effectively. Meet expectations of proper setup, execution, breakdown, and cleanup of each catered event. Execute back of the house, front of the house and side work duties for overall productivity of banquet events as assigned. Ability to express knowledge of menus, food presentation, and food service techniques with guest service in mind. Perform strenuous manual labor as required (equipment storage, event setup, tear down of tables and chairs). Support placement, movement and storage of rental orders, buffet cards, and catering items. Support Catering Supervisor(s) and Catering Operations Manager with problems during events and provide creative solutions. Maintain a friendly and approachable attitude towards the client, guests, and staff. Communicate clearly and openly with leaders for overall success. Display a sense of urgency at all times. Uphold a professional appearance and mannerism. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment. Perform other tasks as deemed necessary. Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment. Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures. Job Requirements Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, General Manager and HQ personnel. Excelled problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized. Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment. Operate all equipment necessary to perform job duties. Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above; accommodation upon request, please communicate directly with hiring manager. Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed. IDEA + Belonging Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back Previous Experience Catering and/or event industry experience a plus. All education backgrounds eligible. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. The General Manager reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments) SSA Group, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity through our commitment to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Compensation and Benefits Hourly, Non-Exempt. Pay is based on range in consideration of relevant job experience and certification/education Employee Assistance Program Get Paid Early Tuition Discount through Partnership College Meal Plan & employee Discounts All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice"). San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document. Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, California, United States of America #J-18808-Ljbffr