As Brookfield Zoo is open 365 days a year and events are scheduled during mornings, evenings, holidays, and weekends, the Banquet Captain II position requires flexible availability to work non-standard hours. Catered Events employees may be scheduled to start as early as 6:30 a.m. and work as late as 2:00 a.m. Catered Events employees may be required to work a 10-hour day or longer.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for coordination of all details, logistics, entertainment, catering site arrangements, etc. toward the overall success of all assigned events.
• Responsible for physical set up of assigned functions. Trains assigned subordinate staff. Inspects assigned function spaces to see that rooms are set up as specified on banquet Event Orders (BEO). Directs assigned wait staff in proper table placement, table set up, etc.
• Executes assigned events; meets and greets clients upon arrival, serves as host/zoo representative. Reviews with client the agenda for the event and recommend/make changes as needed for event success.
• Supervises, coaches, and provides direction to assigned wait staff, enabling them to develop and be successful in their specific functional area of expertise and proficient at serving flawless events. Provides ongoing supervision to maintain standards and procedures.
• Assists in maintaining cleanliness of departmental storage spaces; recommends and advises need for replacement of inventories of departmental equipment and supplies.
• Supervises and gives direction for event to assigned wait staff. Checks for proper uniform; conducts roll call. Verifies delivery of all needed supplies. Communicates with Chef throughout event to maintain time service.
• Fosters client contacts to help cultivate future events with client's associates.
• Trains and evaluates assigned staff on an ongoing basis. Recommends appropriate personnel action.
• Responds to requests and inquiries, and resolves problems to guest satisfaction.
• At conclusion of event, inspects all functional areas to ensure cleanliness and completion of tasks.
• Assumes other related responsibilities as requested to assure successful completion of unit objectives.
• Insures that banquet staff follows established food service sanitation practices.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Visualize managing all the special details for a guests' dream wedding being held at Brookfield Zoo. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in one pavilion filled with elegant wedding decorations and colorful fresh flowers followed by an exquisite plated dinner prepared by our world-class culinary team in another pavilion and ending with ballroom dancing in yet another pavilion. It truly is an exotic venue where guests may visit amazing animals from around the world or simply stroll through our beautifully landscaped grounds. Our top-notch catering and culinary team offer the highest quality of service to our guests for various events from weddings, birthday parties, business meetings, black-tie events, fundraisers, ceremonies, picnics and countless others.

Position Requirements and Specifications
As Brookfield Zoo is open 365 days a year and events are scheduled during mornings, evenings, holidays, and weekends, the Banquet Captain II position requires flexible availability to work non-standard hours. Catered Events employees may be scheduled to start as early as 6:30 a.m. and work as late as 2:00 a.m. Catered Events employees may be required to work a 10-hour day or longer. Due to the driving requirement, a valid driver's license is required.

The requirements for this position include:

• High School graduate or (GED) equivalent required.


• Minimum one year banquet experience required.


• Minimum one year supervisory experience required, preferably in the food beverage industry.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills required.


• Detail orientation, organization and high level of accuracy required.


• Outstanding customer service orientation required. Ability to maintain customer satisfaction under pressure or with deadlines.


• Must be flexible and able to handle multiple tasks.


• Valid driver's license required for Illinois residents within 90 days of hire; valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.


• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.