Assistant Cook - Fairview Lake YMCA Camps

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges; Newton (NJ, MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a dedicated Assistant Cook to join their vibrant team at a renowned camp facility. In this role, you will assist in meal preparation, maintain kitchen cleanliness, and ensure excellent service standards. This position offers the chance to work in a supportive environment focused on nurturing potential and fostering teamwork. If you are passionate about cooking and enjoy working in a collaborative setting, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of children and families through quality food service and community engagement.

Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Complimentary Use of YMCA Facilities

Sign-on Bonus

Qualifications

• 1+ year experience in an institutional or camp kitchen operation.
• Understanding of food sanitation and cleanliness required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with meal prep and ensure timely meal service.
• Train new kitchen assistants and supervise kitchen staff.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen areas.

Skills

Food Sanitation Skills

Teamwork

Cooking Aptitude

Customer Service

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Dish Machine

Job description

Assistant Cook - Fairview Lake YMCA Camps

Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, 1035 FAIRVIEW LAKE RD, NEWTON, New Jersey, United States of America Req #130

Monday, March 31, 2025

We are an all-inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission-focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven candidate to join our team.
Sign on bonus may apply

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Food Service Director and the Evening Supervisor, the Assistant Cook is responsible for all phases of the meal for which he/she is scheduled and for contributing to a quality food service facility, exhibiting excellent customer service practices, and maintaining the kitchen and dining hall under clean and sanitary conditions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist cook with general prep as well as salad bar prep for the meal and help make sure all food, written or implied, is prepared for the meal.
• Train and assist in training of new kitchen assistants.
• Ensure that meals are served on time.
• Help with removing food from the freezer in time to be defrosted in a safe manner.
• Store leftovers properly in a safe and sanitary manner and is directly responsible for labeling leftovers.
• Practice good housekeeping, personal hygiene, and state health codes.
• Responsible for supervision and organization of kitchen assistants.
• Perform daily or weekly cleaning jobs as necessary to maintain the kitchen, dining hall, storage areas, and porch in a safe, clean, and orderly fashion at all times.
• Adhere to the procedures and rules when operating the dish machine or washing pots.
• Work as a kitchen assistant when necessary – must have a thorough knowledge of the job and be able to assign tasks to others.
• Help with the planning and preparation of food for cookouts, bag lunches, pack-outs, and special occasions to ensure smooth operations of such auxiliary food service operations.
• Help to provide an atmosphere that generates teamwork and good morale.
• Assist Food Service Director with organization and implementation of Child Nutrition Program.
• Notify the Food Service Director of any foods that seem to be in short supply.
• Notify the Food Service Director regarding mechanical, structural repairs or needs.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• One-year successful employment in an institutional or camp kitchen operation.
• Thorough understanding of the activities required of a kitchen assistant including, but not limited to: proper housekeeping, cleanliness and food sanitation skills required for a successful food service operation.
• Must be a self-starter with a demonstrated capacity to work productively as a member of a team.
• Ability to take and give direction with a positive attitude, and with an aptitude for cooking.
• SERV SAFE CERTIFIED IS A PLUS.
• Experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be capable of being on your feet for long periods with agility to move about and throughout the kitchen. Must be capable of bending, kneeling, squatting and lifting 30 pounds. Must be able to hear whistle or alarms.

INTERNAL CANDIDATES:

Current active employees of the METROPOLITAN YMCA OF THE ORANGES should apply via the Careers section of the Dayforce Employee Account.

Professional development opportunities and complimentary use of YMCA facilities.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA/employer M/F/D/V. Employment is subject to extensive background check.