Prep/Line Cook [Seasonal]

Founded in 1901, The Virginia Zoo is located in Norfolk, VA and is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 species. It resides on 53 acres and is mostly outdoors with an indoor World of Reptiles exhibit, 3 classrooms, and an indoor restaurant and gift shop.

Join a fun atmosphere where you can see animals every day, the Virginia Zoo! We seek a part-time, Prep/Line Cook who enjoys working with guests and children. Excellent customer service skills are required!

The Prep/Line Cook deliver a memorable guest experience with the cooking and prepping aspects of the culinary program of the Virginia Zoo. The Prep/Line Cook focuses on food preparation, cooking, presentation, and food inventory controls.

This is seasonal non-exempt part-time hourly position. Mostly DAYTIME hours and done by 4:30!

There will be limited evening Zoo events, holidays, and weekends are required. This position does not supervise any staff.

• Prepares batches of food that are cooked to order or kept warm until ordered and sold; this may include such food items as hamburgers or fried chicken.
• Operates large-volume cooking equipment such as griddles, grills, or deep fryers.
• Prepares, washes, and cuts food to be cooked.
• Prepares and cooks food according to instructions provided on food order slips or through verbal directions; verifies the quality and quantity of all orders.
• Multitasks by cooking several different orders at once, ensuring that all items are prepared in accordance with customer instructions.
• Maintains overall sanitation, health, cleanliness, and safety standards for food preparation areas, cooking services, and dishes and utensils.
• Receive, verify, and properly store food, beverages, equipment, and supplies.
• Conducts opening and closing tasks for various food service and events-related facilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic understanding of or ability to learn basic sanitation and regulations for workplace safety.
• Basic understanding of or ability to learn food-handling techniques, preparation, and cooking procedures.
• Ability to work efficiently and quickly.
• Must be able to work well as part of a team.
• Must be able to work well under pressure.
• Ability to maintain personal cleanliness.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 1 year experience working in fast food preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds capacity at times.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and manner.
• Ability to work in a team environment or alone for extended periods of time.
• Must have a valid food safety handlers card.
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

At Virginia Zoological Society, we believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.

The Virginia Zoo is a drug free workplace