Prep​/Line Cook Seasonal

Join a fun atmosphere where you can see animals every day at the Virginia Zoo! We are seeking seasonal part‑time Prep/Line Cooks. As a Prep / Line Cook, you will be responsible for delivering quality food to visitors, ensuring ingredients are prepared and ready for cooking, and maintaining a clean and sanitary kitchen throughout your shift.

March - October

• Prepares batches of food that are cooked to order or kept warm until ordered and sold; this may include, but not limited to, food items such as hamburgers or fried chicken.
• Operates large‑volume cooking equipment such as griddles, grills, or deep fryers.
• Prepares, washes, and cuts food to be cooked.
• Prepares and cooks food according to instructions provided on food order slips or through verbal directions; verifies the quality and quantity of all orders.
• Multitasks by cooking several different orders at once, ensuring that all items are prepared in accordance with customer instructions.
• Maintains overall sanitation, health, cleanliness, and safety standards for food preparation areas, cooking services, and dishes and utensils.
• Receives, verifies, and properly stores food, beverages, equipment, and supplies.
• Conducts opening and closing tasks for various food service and event‑related facilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic understanding of or ability to learn basic sanitation and regulations for workplace safety.
• Basic understanding of or ability to learn food‑handling techniques, preparation, and cooking procedures.
• Ability to work efficiently and quickly.
• Must be able to work well as part of a team.
• Must be able to work well under pressure.
• Ability to maintain personal cleanliness.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year experience working in fast food preferred but not required.

• Hours vary up to 32 hours per week.
• Free zoo membership and events & gift shop discounts.

• Ability to traverse all parts of the restaurant quickly.
• Prolonged periods of standing.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds at times and 50 pounds with assistance.

• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and manner.
• Ability to work in a team environment or alone for extended periods of time.
• Must have a valid food safety handlers’ card.

At Virginia Zoological Society, we believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, non‑job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.

The Virginia Zoo is a drug‑free workplace.