Banquet Chef - Full Time - San Diego Zoo

Req #4415

2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

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Job Description

Posted Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM | Expires Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 10:59 AM

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Banquet Chef supports Sand Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission and vision of saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in animal care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature and leading the fight against extinction. The Banquet Chef is responsible for assigned kitchen and banquet menu design and culinary execution. This position reports to the Concept Chef.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• In collaboration with the Concept Chef, the Banquet Chef plans, orders, prepares and fully executes large and small banquet events from the standing banquet guide as well as from custom designed themed menus of complex variety. Collaborates with Internal and External stakeholders to ensure event execution is of the highest caliber. Supports the Concept Chef and Retail Department at large with other culinary execution, up to and including Full Service and Quick Service Restaurant operations as required.
• Responsible for designing and maintaining kitchen best practices relative to kitchen cleanliness, food quality, facility and equipment maintenance. Ensures that all kitchen operations are in line with federal, state, and local guidelines.
• Responsible for employee management and development, including hiring, scheduling, payroll, training, mentoring, reviewing, and team building.
• Assures sound inventory and cost control through accurate recipe development and inventory management.
• Ensures operational safety in both food safety, facility and equipment safety, and employee safe work practices.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR

• JOB EXPERIENCE
  • Must have 3 years’ experience working as a Banquet Chef managing multiple banquet events required.
  • Experience in executing complex recipes in high volume banquet operations required.
• EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
  • Culinary Degree form an accredited culinary program preferred.
• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
  • Strong working knowledge of menu development and inventory management required.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage and develop diverse employees as all levels and positions in the kitchen required.
  • Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing working environments and even menu design changes, including working within complex deadlines with competing priorities required.
  • Knowledge of various styles of cuisine preparation and presentation required.
  • Effective supervisory and training skills for a large culinary team required.
  • Knowledge food health and safety requirements required.
  • Ability to partner collaboratively with others and work professionally under pressure required.
  • Ability to exercise leadership skills and build a team required.
  • Understanding of complex software programs required for position administration required.
  • Ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal) required.

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position
• Salary Range: $87,264.80 - $98,172.90

About The Salary Ranges

Please note that the salary range mentioned in this job posting should serve simply as a guide. The final compensation offered may vary based on a variety of factors, including bonuses and/or incentives, or a candidate’s experience and skills. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive package that reflects the value an individual brings to the organization.

Fraudulent Recruiting

Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.

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2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA