The opportunity
About this role
SSA Group at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is hiring Food Service Cooks in Columbia, SC, paying $13 to $15 an hour. You will prepare and cook meals for Zoo guests in a fast-paced, quick-service kitchen, following established recipes and food safety standards. We have 8 openings and are looking for people who can start ASAP.
Who You Are:
You have experience in a fast-paced kitchen, ideally in quick service.
You enjoy working on your feet and can lift and move boxes of 10 to 35 lbs.
You are a dependable team player with a personable, upbeat, and energetic attitude.
You are passionate about food and take pride in delivering great guest experiences.
You can work varied hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
You bring 1 to 2 years of food preparation experience, and a food handler license is a plus.
Who We Are:
SSA Group is Riverbanks Zoo and Garden's culinary partner, serving the snacks, meals, and treats guests enjoy during every Zoo visit.
SSA Group has partnered with cultural attractions for more than 50 years to create memorable hospitality experiences.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is an AZA-accredited zoo and botanical garden in Columbia, home to more than 2,000 animals and welcoming about one million visitors each year.
What You Will Do Each Day:
Prepare and cook meals following established recipes and safety protocols.
Support restaurant prep for the back of house and the line.
Follow safe food handling practices and keep temperature, rotation, and waste logs.
Keep the kitchen clean, organized, and stocked.
Deliver SSA EXTRA Guest Service as part of a collaborative team.
Why You'll Love Working Here:
Pay is $13 to $15 an hour.
Immediate openings with a quick start.
Work in a one-of-a-kind setting at one of Columbia's most-loved attractions.
Be part of an organization that values conservation, education, and sustainability.
Next Steps:
If you are ready to cook for Zoo guests in a fun, mission-driven setting, apply today.
What you'll bring
Requirements
• Experience working in a fast-paced kitchen, ideally quick service
• 1-2 years of food preparation experience preferred
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift/move boxes of 10-35 lbs
• Ability to work varied hours including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Food handler license preferred
• Reliable transportation
Meet the team
About SSA Group at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a 170-acre zoological park, aquarium, and botanical garden situated along the Saluda River in Columbia and West Columbia, South Carolina. Opened on April 25, 1974, it welcomes more than one million visitors annually.
Equal opportunity employment
We value a diverse team and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.