JOB DETAILS

Food Service Prep Cook

CompanyLIVING DESERT DBA THE LIVING DESERT
LocationPalm Desert
Work ModeOn Site
PostedAugust 13, 2026
About The Company
For more than 50 years, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has been a beloved community gem and leading conservation organization. Millions of guests have come to the park to explore and learn about the desert’s wildlife and wild places through the Zoo’s interactive and immersive habitats, engaging activities, hiking trails, and botanic gardens. Ready to work on the wild side? The Living Desert is a fun, engaging, and impactful place to work and is looking for highly skilled, motivated, and dedicated individuals to join our team. Career opportunities include roles in animal care, conservation, education, fundraising, facilities, food service, guest services, business administration, retail, security, and more. Our team members make a difference in our local community and around the world each day. Together, they further the Zoo’s mission of desert conservation and inspire quests to discover a passion for the desert’s wildlife and wild places. --- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a nonprofit, accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, ensuring the highest standards of all aspects of animal care, education, conservation, public service, and operations.
About the Role

Description

Job Title: Seasonal Food Service Prep Cook

Location: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens – Palm Desert, CA Department: Food & Beverage Reports To: Sous Chef, F&B Supervisors, Operations Manager Employment Type: Seasonal / Part-Time

Position Summary:

The Living Desert is seeking dependable and detail-oriented Seasonal Prep Cooks to support our culinary operations during peak seasons. This role is essential to ensure smooth kitchen operations and delivering high-quality food to our guests. Prep Cooks work behind the scenes to prepare ingredients, maintain cleanliness, and assist cooks and chefs in a dynamic, conservation-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities:

· Wash, chop, & prepare ingredients for cooking according to standardized recipes and portion guidelines.

· Assist with assembling food items such as salads, sandwiches, and grab-and-go meals.

· Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of prep areas, equipment, and utensils.

· Label and store food items properly to ensure freshness and compliance with health regulations.

· Monitor inventory levels and communicate supply needs to kitchen leadership.

· Support kitchen staff during busy service periods and special events.

· Follow all food safety and hygiene standards, including proper handwashing & glove use.

· Contribute to a positive team environment and uphold The Living Desert’s mission of desert conservation through preservation, education and awareness.


Requirements

Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in food prep or kitchen support preferred.
  • Basic understanding of food safety and sanitation practices.
  • Ability to follow instructions and work efficiently in a fast-paced setting.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

Additional Information:

  • This is a seasonal position with variable hours based on operational needs.
  • Uniforms and training provided.
  • Current Food Handler Permit required.

About The Living Desert:

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a nonprofit organization committed to desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation. Join our team and help create memorable experiences for guests while supporting a meaningful mission

Key Skills
Food preparationKitchen sanitationKnife skillsFood safetyInventory managementPortion controlTeamworkAttention to detailTime management
Categories
Food & BeverageHospitalityEnvironmental & Sustainability
Benefits
Training providedUniforms provided
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The prep cook is responsible for washing, chopping, and preparing ingredients according to standardized recipes while maintaining kitchen cleanliness. They also assist with assembling grab-and-go meals and monitoring inventory levels to support daily operations.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
126
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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