As a back of the house position, the Line Cook contributes to creating these memorable events by skillfully carrying out food preparation and presentation activities by working closely with the Chef to following his/her directives and the prep list. The Line Cook assists the Chef with food production by butchering meats and fish, prepping sauces, grilling, frying, plating up food, etc., insuring that all food is prepared according to standard recipe and presented in a consistent manner. Following food service sanitation practices, you will also plate up food ensuring that all food is prepared according to standard recipe and presented in a consistent manner, all serving and cookware are properly washed, and maintain a clean and safe work area at all times. Your attention to detail and focus on customer service will make certain that we provide a high-quality event. This is a seasonal entry-level position that requires a flexible, creative person. Incumbents receive training and mentoring from qualified staff.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Initiate all actions necessary to carry out food preparation and presentation by following the prep list and as dictated by the orders received from the Chef. Assist the Chef with all food production by butchering meats and fish, prepping sauces, grilling, frying, plating up food, etc., insuring that all food is prepared according to standard recipe and presented in a consistent manner.
• Follow established food service sanitation practices. Maintain a clean and safe work area by wiping down counters throughout the day, sweeping and mopping up spills as they occur.
• Assist the Chef in the breakdown of all utilized areas at the end of the event and clean all equipment; carving station, buffet. As needed wash dishes, glasses, flatware, pots, pans, utensils to departmental specifications.
• Receive and put away stock following the first in, first out method (FIFO).
• Answer guests' requests for recipe explanations.
• Other related duties as assigned.

While you just may know that Brookfield Zoo is a major player in the global effort to preserve and support our animal kingdom, you may not know that we provide world-class culinary delights, impeccable presentation and amazing surroundings for various events from weddings, birthday parties, business meetings, black-tie events, fundraisers, ceremonies, picnics and countless others. It truly is an exotic venue and no place can compare to Brookfield Zoo!

Position Requirements and Specifications
As Brookfield Zoo is open 365 days a year and events are scheduled during mornings, afternoons, evenings, holidays, and weekends, the Line Cook 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. and may be required to work a 10-hour day or longer. The peak operating months for this position are from April - October and again in December. The typical work schedule consists of mainly Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays and can average approximately 20 hours per week. Due to the driving requirement, a valid driver's license is required.

The requirements for this position include:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.


• Knowledge of safety and food handling guidelines and procedures.


• Understanding of proper use and maintenance of all major kitchen equipment including grills, stoves, refrigeration, slicer, knives and dish machine.


• Strong customer service and organizational skills required.


• Ability to work in a team environment and take direction.


• Able to work calmly and effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines.


• Able to stand and work at a fast pace for entire shift.


• Must maintain a physical presence in the kitchen during dining hours.


• Must be punctual in attending scheduled shifts.


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


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

The desirable/preferred qualifications include :

• High School graduate or (GED) equivalent preferred.


• Current enrollment in a culinary degree program strongly desired.


• Experience as a line cook in a restaurant, banquet or catering environment preferred.


• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

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