Cook

Common Market Co-op; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Common Market Co-op in Frederick, Maryland is seeking a qualified individual to support kitchen operations. You will prepare food according to recipes, ensure cleanliness and proper food handling, and provide excellent service to customers. This role requires flexibility to work various shifts, a minimum of one year cooking experience, and a passion for natural foods. The ideal candidate is a team player with strong cooking and numerical skills who thrives in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 1+ years' experience cooking in a kitchen environment.
• Experience with natural foods preferred.
• Ability to measure ingredients and determine baking times.
• Teamwork and composure under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food according to recipes and discretion.
• Clean and inspect equipment and work areas.
• Ensure proper food storage and temperature.
• Provide friendly service to customers.

Skills

Cooking skills

Food handling procedures

Numerical skills

Reading skills

Creativity

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports the co‑op’s core values and aligns with the Co‑op Code of Conduct.
• Prepares food according to recipes and best discretion.
• Cleans and inspects equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.
• Ensures food is stored and cooked at correct temperatures by regulating temperatures of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters.
• Ensures freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock.
• Completes shrink log daily.
• Follows Health Department Regulations and department sanitation and safety procedures.
• Removes trash, compost, and recyclables promptly.
• Attends to spills and keeps appropriate prep/storage areas in a clean, orderly condition.
• Uses equipment safely and follows safe knife‑handling procedures.
• Remains productive throughout shift, completing tasks efficiently.
• Follows all standard procedures, including opening and closing processes.
• Completes temperature logs, labeling, and dating all stored products.
• Provides attentive, timely, and friendly service to all internal and external customers at all times.
• Others duties as assigned.

Requirements

PREREQUISITES

• High School Diploma or equivalent education or experience preferred.
• A minimum of one (1) year’s experience cooking in a kitchen environment.
• A minimum of one (1) year’s experience and familiarity with natural foods strongly preferred.
• Solid numbers skills to accurately measure ingredients and determine baking durations.
• Strong reading skills to interpret and follow recipes accurately.
• Knowledgeable of proper food‑handling procedures.
• Practical cooking skills.
• Desire to work cooperatively with others in a team.
• Capacity to maintain composure and adapt as needed to unexpected challenges, changes, or stressful situations.
• Ability to receive constructive criticism gracefully.
• Creativity for developing new products or creating new recipes.

ENVIRONMENTAL & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Flexibility to work any shift, including mornings, middays, evenings, weekends.
• Must wear closed‑toe, skid‑resistant shoes; a head covering (hat, bandanna, etc.); and long pants.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures (approximately 40°F – 95°F).
• Ability to stand for long periods at a time.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, kneel, twist, and climb.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted.
• Reliable access to transportation.