Food Service - Food Service Cook

Food Service Cook

The SSA Group is looking for talented and friendly cooks to join our Food & Beverage team at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Experience the thrill of working at one of Columbia's top attractions!

Flexible hours

Zoo Membership

Meal Plans

Retail discounts

Partial same day pay available

At SSA, we believe our work matters because the people do. For more than 50 years, we've helped create experiences that leave people feeling connected, inspired, and reminded that fun still matters.

Whether you're looking for your first job, building your career, or bringing years of experience to a new role, you'll be part of a team that values your ideas, supports your growth, and encourages you to make an impact. More than 54% of our leaders are promoted from within, reflecting our commitment to investing in people and creating opportunities to succeed.

Position Title: Food Service Cook

Reports to: Kitchen Manager(s), Sous Chef(s) and Executive Chef

Responsibilities

• Live out 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client.
• Supports restaurant prep (BOH and line) for daily operation.
• Meets daily quickservice, food service, safety and quality, availability, merchandising and guest service standards.
• Ensures proper food quantities are set for daily and ongoing service.
• Participates in safety logs including food temperatures, rotation and waste as necessary.
• Ensures safe food handling is maintained.
• Ensures proper uniform, hygiene, hand-washing and glove use with self.
• Maintains a SSAfe work environment by abiding to all SSAFETY rules.
• Follows through daily prep and items lists, as assigned.
• Actively helps to support operation in assigned role, supporting holes as necessary.
• Actively and efficiently responds to guest and client feedback, with report to the supervisor to ensure that any potential complaints are mitigate against further occurrence.
• Communicates up to the Restaurant Supervisor and/or Food Operations Manager in regard to any issues seen with daily service or quality.
• Remains knowledgeable of all menu items, prices and specials for sharing with guests.
• Assists with dishwashing as necessary.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.
• Maintains 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.
• Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Ideal candidate is a team player, personable, professional, upbeat and energetic, and takes initiative.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (10-35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
• 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

• Food handling license preferred
• 1-2 years food preparation

Compensation and Benefits

• Eligible for overtime pay.
• On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
• Meal Plan & Employee Discounts at applicable locations.
• Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods).

• Tuition Discount through Partnership College.
• Up to 8 hours of Bereavement Leave
• Holiday pay of 1.5 the regular rate is provided for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
• Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.

SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.