Cafeteria Attendant / Prep Cook

Rancho Valencia; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Rancho Valencia in San Diego is seeking a Cafeteria Cook responsible for preparing and planning meals. The role involves maintaining quality standards, working closely with the chef, and ensuring a clean work environment.

A high school diploma/GED, culinary experience, and a valid food handler's card are required. Ideal candidates will have a dedication to excellence and the ability to work well in a team.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years cooking experience in fine dining or 2-3 years in breakfast/lunch cooking.
• Ability to communicate in English with guests and staff.
• Current San Diego County food handlers card required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and plan for breakfast, lunch, and dinner items.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary work area.
• Work with the chef in prepping food items and assisting the kitchen.

Skills

Culinary skills

Garde Manger skills

Knife skills

Ability to multi-task

Knowledge of kitchen terminology

Knowledge of products and their uses

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Culinary school graduate

Tools

Cooking tools

Job description

Description

SUMMARY

The Cafeteria Cook is responsible for preparing and planning for breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Maintains established quality standards. Knows assigned menus. Is flexible and willing to perform any task to better service. Openly accepts and positively responds to changing environment. Practice cooperation and work effectively with others. Must have weekend availability.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Report to work as scheduled
• Be in uniform when clocking in at scheduled start time
• Maintain clean and sanitary work area
• Place sanitizer bucket on work station, to be used between jobs to sanitize
• Check and report any equipment malfunctioning or failures
• Prepare daily production list
• Work quickly and complete assignments
• Responsible for set-up of assigned work station
• Ensure all products are of the best quality for service
• Set up work station ensuring all requirements are organized prior to the opening of the restaurant
• Work with the chef in prepping food items and assisting the kitchen as needed
• Take your lunch break before the 5th hour of work, you are responsible to take your entitled breaks and report arrival, breaks and departures to Chef on duty
• Prepare and plate menu items
• Set up and serve functions according to Banquet Event orders
• Anticipate business levels, plan and prep accordingly for the following day
• Strictly Adhere to recipe specifications ensuring proper portion sizes and cooking methods are followed
• Maintain professional atmosphere throughout the kitchen
• Daily inspection of assigned work station to ensure proper rotation of product and that all products are labeled and dated and complies with all Health Department regulations
• Must be familiar with all kitchen equipment and machinery including safe operation and maintenance
• Adhere to established safety standards and assist in preventing accidents by being aware of hazardous situations
• Inform Chef on duty of any problems, concerns, inconsistencies or product shortages
• Remain positive with co-workers and guests
• Practice proper recycling procedures and kitchen energy management
• Control waste, be aware of the costs attached to the area of responsibility
• Responsible for proper closing procedures of assigned station
• Checks out with Chef de Partie/ Chef on duty before leaving to ensure his/her station and prep are stored correctly
• Actively participates in Safety Programs and abides by all injury reporting and safety behavior requirements.
• Participate in and support hotel efforts towards community service, sustainability and environmental initiatives.
• Perform other duties as directed, developed or assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High School Diploma or Ged-Equivalency
• Must be either a graduate from culinary school with 1 to 2 years cooking experience in fine dining or 2 to 3 years cooking experience, breakfast and lunch in international and regional cooking in a fine dining establishment.
• Ability to communicate in English with vendors, guests and staff to their understanding.
• Must have current and up to date San Diego County food handlers card.
• Must have own cooking tools to perform assigned duties.
• Dedication to excellence with continued development of our hotel reputation.

Desirable

• 1 year prior Cook 3 experience.
• Prior working experience in a 5 star/5 diamond hotel
• Stable work history.

SKILLS

Required

• Well-rounded culinary skills, cooking methods, vegetables, soups, product identification.
• Garde Manger skills.
• Knife Skills, basic cuts including coarse chopping, mincing, julienne and dicing.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Knowledge of kitchen terminology.
• Knowledge of products, uses and availability.

Desirable

• Knowledge of current food trends.
• Strong organizational and problem solving skills.
• Ability to perform tasks under pressure and within tight time constraints.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Frequent or occasional need to perform the following physical activities: reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, twisting, lifting, and climbing. Have frequent need to perform standing and walking activities related to inspecting property.
• Constant need to perform the following physical activities: grasping, turning, finger dexterity.
• Occasional need to stand for long periods of time.
• Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs. frequently and 25 lbs. occasionally.
• Vision requirements: constant need to view small print. Frequent need to see small details and things clearly beyond arms’ reach.
• Hearing requirements: constant need to speak on telephone and/or two‑way radio, respond to general public and converse with staff. Ability to hear fire alarms and emergency equipment
• Must be in good physical condition to stand for 8 consecutive hours, walk, kneel and lift a minimum of 50 pounds.