Job DetailsJob Location: Omaha Zoo - Omaha, NE 68107Position Type: Full TimeJob Title: Catering Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Classification: Full-time
Hours: Schedule may vary depending on catering needs
Pay Rate: Range starts at $18.62/hour
Summary:
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a Catering Supervisor who is passionate about hospitality and committed to creating outstanding guest experiences. This role supports all aspects of food and beverage service for catered events ranging from intimate gatherings to large‑scale events, as well as picnics, campouts, and birthday celebrations.
The Catering Supervisor plays a key role in ensuring every event delivers exceptional food quality, warm service, and seamless execution. This position has a strong emphasis on food preparation while also serving as a leader who trains, supports, and motivates catering, picnic, and campout service teams. The position reports directly to the Catering Assistant Manager.
Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):
Partner with the Catering Assistant Manager to plan, prepare, and execute food and beverage service that exceeds guest expectations for each catered event, picnic, and campout.
Lead and support catering teams of up to 20 staff members, fostering a culture focused on hospitality, teamwork, and guest satisfaction.
Assist in creating staffing schedules that ensure appropriate coverage, attentive service, and a positive guest experience for all events.
Coordinate the planning, preparation, presentation, and service of food and beverage with attention to detail and consistency.
Ensure proper staffing levels while balancing service quality, labor efficiency, and sales volume.
Maintain standards for portion control, food quality, food cost, and labor cost while prioritizing guest value.
Assist with ordering, receiving, and coordinating food products, beverages, and supplies to ensure freshness, availability, and readiness for all events.
Train and coach team members on proper food preparation, presentation, and service techniques to deliver a polished and professional guest experience.
Ensure all team members consistently meet Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium standards for quality, safety, cleanliness, and guest service.
Monitor and enforce compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health regulations to ensure a safe experience for guests and staff.
Uphold all operational guidelines and service standards across catering and food service operations.
Attend department meetings and contribute ideas that enhance service, efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
Assist with maintaining accurate records of product inventory, transfers, and usage across Food & Beverage and other zoo departments.
Support inventory control processes to ensure product quality, security, and availability.
Assist the Catering Assistant Manager and Director of Food and Beverage by providing accurate food cost estimates for clients and details for billing.
Support sustainability efforts by assisting with supervision of the catering department’s recycling program.
Assist with supervising Treetops Restaurant staff and food preparation as needed.
Cross‑train in all areas of the Food & Beverage Department and Guest Services to support a unified and guest‑focused operation.
Provide support during zoo special events, ensuring food service contributes positively to the overall guest experience.
Assist in supervising catering, picnic, and campout service staff while modeling professional, friendly, and service‑oriented behavior.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Minimum of 2 years of experience in food preparation and service.
At least 1 year of experience supervising catering or event service staff.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Administrative or educational background in hotel or restaurant management preferred.
Certifications or special training in front‑line supervision, food safety, health regulations, or sanitation standards are a plus.
Experience in food presentation for catered events ranging from small coffee services to full‑service events.
Knowledge of restaurant supplies, equipment, inventory management, and ordering processes.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
Experience in staff scheduling, training, and menu rollouts is beneficial.
Strong communication skills, a positive leadership style, and a passion for guest service.
Candidates may be required to successfully complete a pre‑employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving history.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments, including kitchens, banquet spaces, and event locations.
Must be comfortable standing for extended periods and performing tasks that involve bending and reaching.
Ability to lift, push, pull, or move up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally using safe lifting techniques.
Work is performed in restaurant, banquet, and outdoor event settings.
Food Handler Permit Requirement:
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 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.
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.
Qualifications
