DescriptionJob Title: Assistant Manager - Catering
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Classification: Full-time
Hours: Hours may vary depending on event needs (weekend, holiday, and evening availability required)
Pay Rate: Range starts at $20.49/hour
Summary:
Join one of the world’s greatest zoos and help us create unforgettable experiences for every guest who celebrates with us! Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is looking for a passionate, energetic Assistant Manager of Catering who thrives in a fast‑paced hospitality environment and loves bringing joy to guests of all ages. From smaller gatherings or spectacular events for more than 2,000 guests, you’ll play a key role in delivering delicious food, warm hospitality, and seamless service.
This position is highly hands‑on with food preparation and directly supports the training and leadership of our Picnic and Campout service teams. You’ll work with our Director of Food & Beverage to elevate every event—from birthday parties and campouts to large‑scale catered celebrations—by ensuring every guest leaves with memories they’ll treasure.
Duties & Responsibilities (include but not limited to):
- Create and coordinate food and beverage plans that delight guests at every event, picnic, and campout.
- Help lead and inspire a team of up to 20 employees, fostering a positive and guest‑first atmosphere.
- Prepare detailed staffing schedules to ensure smooth operations and partner with managers across departments to support peak times.
- Assist with planning, prepping, serving, and executing food and beverage service to ensure exceptional guest satisfaction.
- Maintain balanced staff‑to‑sales ratios that support great service and operational efficiency.
- Support the team in meeting portioning, food cost, and labor targets.
- Assist with ordering ingredients, beverages, and supplies to ensure every event is fully stocked and ready for guest enjoyment.
- Train staff on high‑quality food preparation and presentation, ensuring every dish reflects our standards.
- Uphold Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium’s commitment to quality, guest service, cleanliness, and safety.
- Ensure full compliance with all food‑handling and safety regulations, as well as Zoo operational guidelines.
- Participate in department meetings and contribute ideas for elevating guest experience.
- Assist with tracking and documenting products received and distributed within the Food and Beverage team and to other zoo departments.
- Support proper inventory controls to ensure accuracy and security of all items.
- Contribute to food cost estimates and invoicing details for client billing.
- Help supervise and enhance the Catering department’s recycling program.
- Assist in leading Treetops Restaurant staff and support food preparation as needed.
- Cross‑train across all areas of Food and Beverage and Guest Services to support a seamless guest journey.
- Assist with Zoo‑wide special events, helping deliver memorable moments for guests of all ages.
- Perform all other duties as assigned to ensure outstanding guest experiences.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Picnic and Campout Service Staff.
- Catering Supervisor.
Qualifications:
- 2 years of experience in food preparation and service.
- 1 year of experience supervising culinary or event‑service teams.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and non‑traditional hours to support guest needs.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Experience in food presentation for catered events—from simple setups to full‑service functions.
- Familiarity with restaurant supplies, equipment, ordering processes, and inventory control.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Training in hotel/restaurant management is a plus.
- Helpful certifications include supervision, food‑handling compliance, and sanitation standards.
- Experience with scheduling, training, and menu rollout is beneficial.
Food Handler Permit Requirement:
As of February 1, 2026: All food and beverage employees at the Zoo must possess an active Food Handler Permit registered with the Douglas County Health Department at time of hire, or must successfully complete Food Handler training and obtain a certificate within 30 days of employment.
Training is provided onsite at the Zoo and is paid at the employee's regular hourly rate. The Zoo will cover the certification fee ($20) for the employee's initial certification attempt. Any additional attempts required to obtain certification will be at the employee's expense. Failure to demonstrate or obtain the required certification within the specified timeframe is a violation of health code requirements and will result in termination.
Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid drivers license with a good history.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
- Work is normally performed in both a typical interior restaurant and banquet environment and outside areas.
- Must be able to work in confined areas where standing, bending, and lifting is necessary.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.
DISCLAIMER
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
