Food & Beverage Ambassador - Part Time

Location

Santa Barbara, CA | United States

Job description

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?

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/hour

JOB DESCRIPTION

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 include the following areas: 

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

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

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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.

Compensation: $16.00 per hour

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.

Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.

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