Seasonal Food Lead

Seasonal Food Lead

Our mission is to connect people with nature and inspire them to conserve. We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our team at Binder Park Zoo for the 2026 season. Nestled in 433 acres of serene landscape, we are the third largest zoo in Michigan, home to over 70 different species.

What We Offer

• Competitive wages
• Flexible hours to fit your work/life balance needs
• Free fountain soda and coffee during your shift
• 50% off your meals at our restaurants during your shift
• Comprehensive training to build new skills
• Free zoo membership

Position Summary

Provides direction to food service staff related to routine food preparation and customer assistance throughout the zoo.

Requirements

• Availability to work a minimum of 32 hours per week
• Ability to read and follow instructions
• Good verbal communication skills
• Ability to operate cooking and food preparation equipment
• Understanding of proper food handling and sanitation procedures
• ServSafe Certificate recommended but not required
• Must be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license
• Relate positively with diverse groups of people, including guests, staff, volunteers and vendors

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Prepares and serves drinks and foods according to guest specifications
• Provides menu information and suggestions to guests including beverage and food suggestions and explanations of ingredients and preparation methods
• Affords assistance with food preparation as directed, operating food production equipment as required to complete tasks
• Operates grill, broiler, or deep-fat fryer to prepare specific foods
• Clears, cleans, and sanitizes tables
• Maintains, cleans, and sanitizes work stations
• Cleans and sanitizes dishes, utensils, pots, pans, and other containers and returns to appropriate location in the kitchen area
• Makes sure that locations are fully stocked and ready for daily operations
• Follows all safety and sanitation guidelines and regulations to ensure quality food service
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Supervise and guide staff to attain maximum performance
• Ensures that products are correctly and consistently labeled and signed
• Addresses the needs of guests in a professional and positive manner
• Affords assistance with planning catering events
• Reports all important information to the Food Operations Manager in a timely manner
• Ensures the department fulfils all legal health and safety guidelines

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in creating procedures and training manuals for all areas within the department
• Comply with all Binder Park Zoo policies and procedures
• Participate and assist in team-oriented zoo projects as needed, including all events
• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

Assists in continuous training with employees and implements customer satisfaction.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including extended evenings, weekends and holidays
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, lift and move intermittently
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and ability to stand for a period of up to 5 hours
• Ability to read, speak and write English in order to fulfill job functions in an understandable way
• Ability to work in all weather conditions