Culinary Assistant (Grill Cook)

About the role

Swarthmore College Dining Services seeks a Culinary Assistant to work in various stations including grill cook, grill assistant, salad prep, deli, and prep cook. The position involves providing prompt, efficient, and friendly service, preparing food according to recipes and specifications, and managing inventory.

Responsibilities

• Provides prompt, efficient, and friendly service to a diverse clientele.
• Performs start-up duties, such as plugging in and turning on cooking equipment.
• Lays out and cuts food items according to specified requirements.
• Follows directions from the shift lead cook for meal production.
• Washes and sanitizes produce, labels items, and stores them in appropriate racks.
• Evaluates food quality and preparedness by tasting.
• Cuts, trims, bones, and carves meats and poultry.
• Manages portions and prioritizes multiple tasks.
• Maintains a clean and sanitized work area.
• Assists in setting up and cleaning areas, including Bain Maries and salad bars.
• Prepares hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, and pizzas according to procedures.
• Communicates with co-workers and management professionally and respectfully.
• Adapts to changing demands and works in inclement weather conditions.

Requirements

• 2 years of cooking experience in a high-volume food establishment or completion of a culinary vocational training program.
• Excellent culinary knife skills.
• Recipe scaling for various batch sizes.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
• Excellent customer service.
• Ability to read and follow recipes.
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to read, write, comprehend, and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Valid PA driver's license (for those working in catering).

Qualifications

• Completion of a culinary vocational training program preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in high volume food establishments preferred.
• Service-Safe certification preferred.
• Food Allergen knowledge/certification preferred.

Benefits

• Retirement plan with College contributions of 10% of salary.
• Tuition grant and tuition reimbursement programs.
• Paid time off (staff).
• Holiday schedule.
• Comprehensive benefits package.

Pay

The pay for this position is $21.53 per hour, representing the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Seven-day operation, including nights and weekends.
• Inclement and severe weather conditions.
• Noisy environment.
• Floors could be wet, requiring non-slip shoes.
• Variations in temperature.
• At-risk conditions involving heated equipment, steam, and other hazards.

Physical Demands

• Ability to carry and lift objects weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Standing on a hard surface for extended periods.
• Repetitive motion.