Cook

Full-time position paying $20.69 per hour, reporting to the Production Manager and Food Service Manager.

About the role

The cook is responsible for all aspects of meal service, from preparation of healthy and attractive meals for residents and staff (conforming to departmental standards and State code) to clean-up of work areas in the kitchen, service areas, and storage areas.

Responsibilities

• Periodically work more than eight (8) hours per day or more than forty (40) hours per week.
• Open or close the kitchen according to approved procedures for unlocking/locking, turning equipment on/off, setting up, and closing up work areas.
• Act in a supervisory capacity in the absence of management personnel and decide on coverage for call-ins as needed.
• Prepare and cook all foods related to breakfast, lunch, supper, and/or cafeteria meals using standardized recipes, procedures, production, and pre-prep sheets.
• Follow sanitary food handling procedures and maintain correct temperatures throughout food production, service, and storage.
• Serve meals using appropriate utensils and portions; take and log temperatures of all food on the service line (hot and cold) prior to service.
• Adjust heating or chilling for foods not meeting standards.
• Set up and prepare food and beverages for special functions; work special functions as assigned.
• Clean and sanitize work areas and equipment during and at the end of each shift.
• Attend in-service and other training programs related to duties and responsibilities as required.
• Organize the walk-in cooler daily, ensuring all food is in the correct areas, covered, labeled, and dated; discard outdated items and remove empty milk crates.
• Utilize pre-prep sheets to perform pullouts, cook-offs, and prep.
• Inform the production manager of any low or out-of-stock supplies (food, paper, cleaning).
• Perform duties as assigned or directed to ensure the smooth operation of the Food Service department.
• Stock the hot/cold food vending machine and the soda machine in the cafeteria as needed.
• Slice and grind meat as needed for daily sandwiches; make salad mixes.
• Set up, serve, clean up, and count money for the cafeteria service as needed.
• Provide adequate, prompt, and accurate assistance as directed to maintain expected standards.
• Perform other related duties as directed by the supervisor, department head, and/or administration.

Requirements

• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directions in recipes.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in close cooperation with others and independently to complete required duties.
• Sense of responsibility, patience, and understanding.
• Must be 18 years of age or over due to equipment use necessary for the job.
• Experience in food preparation preferred, either through formal education (BOCES, college, etc.) or 1-2 years of on-the-job experience as a cook with supervisory experience.
• Ability to work in hot and cold areas; stand and walk for long periods; lift, adjust, and place supplies of various weights at various heights.
• Existing employees must have a satisfactory work record in their prior position.

Pay

$20.69 per hour