Associate, Cook – High-Volume Meal Production

Thistle Health; Vacaville (CA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Thistle is seeking an Associate, Cook to join our high-volume production kitchen in Vacaville, CA. You will execute daily food preparation, follow standardized recipes, and support kitchen operations across prep, hotline, staging, and more.

The role requires a high school diploma and 2+ years in a large-scale kitchen, with HACCP knowledge and ServSafe preferred. Able to read recipes precisely and maintain food safety standards on a fast-paced line.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 2+ years in a large-scale, high-volume kitchen environment.
• Experience with batch cooking in a professional food production environment.
• Knowledge of HACCP principles and food safety standards; ServSafe preferred.
• Ability to read, follow, and execute recipes with strict adherence to specs.

Responsibilities

• Execute daily food preparation and production activities in line with recipes and schedules.
• Support leadership in maintaining quality, safety, and efficiency across production areas.
• Operate and maintain commercial kitchen equipment listed in job posting.
• Identify and report equipment issues to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Maintain GMPs, food safety regulations, and company policies at all times.
• Prepare workstations with ingredients, tools, and equipment for efficient flow.
• Monitor production and safety metrics, including logs and records.
• Ensure proper labeling, traceability, and FIFO/FEFO inventory controls.

Skills

Batch cooking

Food safety

Recipe following

Communication

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Ovens

Combi-ovens

Tilt skillets

Steam-jacketed kettles

Blixers

Stand mixers

Immersion blenders

Food processors

Job description

Thistle is seeking an Associate, Cook to join our high-volume production kitchen in Vacaville, CA. You will execute daily food preparation, follow standardized recipes, and support kitchen operations across prep, hotline, staging, and more.

The role requires a high school diploma and 2+ years in a large-scale kitchen, with HACCP knowledge and ServSafe preferred. Able to read recipes precisely and maintain food safety standards on a fast-paced line.