Assistant Chef

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental plan

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

PSLF eligible employer

Job summary

The Mesa Lab Cafe at University Corporation for Atmospheric Research in Boulder is hiring an Assistant Chef to support kitchen operations, prep, and service, including stepping in for the Chef during absences. Responsibilities include preparing all daily menu items for soups and lunch, assisting with salad and grill stations, and leading front-line production during events.

The role requires strong culinary skills, safety standards, and the ability to manage cash and inventory.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent and 3+ years in food service.
• Excellent culinary skills across all cooking styles.
• Ability to lead kitchen team in supervisor's absence.
• Experience with cash handling and POS.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare all food items for soup or lunch selections; assist Chef in other items.
• May assist in salad preparation or front-line production.
• Lead for special events and may cashier during high-volume service.
• Maintain accurate cash deposits and reconcile daily,”
• Oversee kitchen operations and inventory for safety and efficiency.

Skills

Culinary skills

Team leadership

Food safety & sanitation

Cash handling & POS

Mathematical portioning

High-volume service

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS system

Spreadsheet software

Job description

# About the RoleUCAR is excited to announce the job opening for the Assistant Chef at the Mesa Lab Cafe. This position manages kitchen operations in the Chef's absence and assists the Chef. Oversees the preparation of food and inventory levels of the kitchen. Prepares food and may be a cashier. May serve as lead for special events. # Job DescriptionHere is a brief outline of what one would expect to be responsible for in this**Food Preparation*** Prepares all food items for soup or lunch selections and assists Cook in preparation of other items.* May assist in salad preparation or front-line production. Ensures variety, wholesomeness and quality.* Utilizes and handles all food including perishables and potentially hazardous foods in a safe and timely manner.* May be called upon to cover for the supervisor in his/her absence and assume all responsibilities of the supervisor or may lead on the café daily operations if the supervisor is busy with the special event.* May cashier in conjunction with grill cooking or handle high volume service for lunch line.* Maintains accurate daily cash register deposits and records and prepares monthly spreadsheet reconciliation.**Leads Special Functions*** Prepares a variety of food items for Special Functions which may include appetizers, entrees, and desserts. May set up and serve functions.* Sets up and delivers refreshment breaks.* May receive deliveries; interact with vendors; maintain and sanitizes equipment; oversee inventory of area; prepare and store items in the highest safety and sanitation standards of industry; ensure maximum usage of quality of food and supplies. # **Who We’d Love to Join Our Team**Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria: Education & Experience:* High School diploma or equivalent; and at least 3 years' experience in food service industry or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required):* Familiarity with all of the daily operations of the kitchen and ability to perform any task in the kitchen, if needed.* Excellent culinary skills in order to prepare and cook food and know all styles of cooking done in the cafeteria.* Ability to implement and follow-up on Chef/Supervisor orders.* Ability to work with the kitchen team and lead them effectively in the Chef/Supervisor’s absence.* Skill in hot and cold food preparation, including appetizers, salad bar, entrees to desserts, as well as lunch grill cooking.* Skill in using math to determine serving sizes, estimating quantities of food prepared to serve to number of customers, and to balance cash receipts.* Familiarity with standard practices in food safety, sanitation and service.* Ability to make change, count cash drawers, and work with cash.* Ability to deal with high volume, customer-oriented, and pressure-packed, deadline type environment.* Ability to work a computerized point of sale system.* Ability to work with spreadsheet software.* Skill in hand processing and using equipment such as slicers, steamers, and different types of ovens, grills, and food processing equipment.* Skill in all standard practices in food safety, sanitation and service.* Willingness and ability to work evening or weekend hours for special functions. ## **Required application materials:*** Resume (preferably in PDF Format):* Questionnaire (*embedded in application*) # Preferred QualificationsNone # Application RequirementsQuestionnaire, Resume/CV For full consideration, all application materials must be submitted by ***12am (MST) at the start of the application deadline***. These should highlight how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of this position. We recognize that no candidate will meet 100% of the listed qualifications. If you believe your background has prepared you for success in this role, we encourage you to apply. Supplemental questionnaires are often requested in lieu of a cover letter, where you address critical skills needed for the position. Your answers will be read and weighed equally to your resume and should provide specific, detailed, and informative responses based on your direct and previous work experiences. Background checks and/or federal screenings are conducted for candidates selected for hire. # **Benefits Overview** UCAR offers a comprehensive benefits package: health insurance, dental, retirement plan, leave plans, tuition assistance, and employee assistance programs:* Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short & Long Term Disability Insurance* Generous retirement plan - UCAR contributes of 10% of base salary* Time Off Plans + Minimum 20 days of annual PTO + 10 paid holidays + 12 weeks of paid parental leave + FAMLI Leave* Tuition Assistance Program* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer