Does helping others make your day? Do you like working with children and their families? Do you feel comfortable and excited engaging in conversations with guests? Are you interested in helping our conservation efforts? Is working in Food Services of interest to you?
Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a part-time Food & Beverage Ambassador.
Note: Applicant must be minimum 18 years of age
Position Status: Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt Schedule: Up to 25 hours per week, including weekdays, holidays, weekends Compensation: $16.00 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 the essential functions.
Education and Experience:
At least 18 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 M-F, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
Access to the San Diego Zoo Global Academy 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
Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
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.