Host - Cashier - Part Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park (M'Kutano)

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 Host/Cashier under direction performs a variety of moderately difficult duties in acting as host; greets and seats guests; maintains an accurate wait list and manages the seating rotation of the restaurant. This position reports to the Lead, Supervisor or Manager.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Greets all guests entering the restaurant
• Makes Customer Service a top priority
• Seats guests in a prompt, courteous and efficient manner
• Manages seating rotation
• Takes restaurant reservations
• Provides personable and professional phone etiquette
• Communicates with management staff on a daily basis
• Applies good work ethics and meets SDZWA performance standards
• Assists servers and bus persons with service when time allows
• Assists in training new personnel as needed
• Assists Lead, Cooks, Manager and Supervisor when needed
• Maintains Department of Environmental uniform standards
• Maintains a passing grade on the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health food handler’s exams
• Engages in the organization’s mission and vision

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Mkutano House is an upcoming restaurant concept built around community, connection, and exceptional guest experiences. 

We are seeking passionate, reliable, and service-oriented individuals who are excited to help bring this vision to life from the ground up. If you excel in a fast-paced environment, take pride in your craft, and believe outstanding food is best enjoyed alongside genuine hospitality, you will find a strong sense of purpose here. This is more than a position—it is an opportunity to grow with a dedicated team, help shape a new dining destination, and contribute meaningfully from day one.

Applicants must be 18 years or older to apply.

• JOB EXPERIENCE
• Education, training and/or experience which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills listed.
• One year experience working in a fine dining restaurant environment.

• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of Zoo or Safari Park facilities, rules and regulations
• Proper phone etiquette
• Basic usage and care of standard equipment
• Basic inventory controls
• Guest service standards and policies
• Uniform standards
• Performance standards
• Multi/task and prioritize to meet the demands of business
• Work in a high volume, fast/paced environment
• Communicate effectively (verbal and written)
• Work effectively in a team environment
• Interact tactfully and courteously with guests and employees
• Work competently with a diverse large groups of people
• Understand and carry out verbal and written instructions effectively
• Perform required clean-up work

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: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Part-Time Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $19.50 
  

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 [email protected].  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 [email protected] 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.