Cook

CoolWorks.com - Jobs in Great Places; Schroon Lake (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

CoolWorks.com - Jobs in Great Places is seeking an experienced cook to join our kitchen team. You will prepare and execute menu items across breakfast, lunch, dinner, banquets, and special events, following standardized recipes to ensure quality and presentation.

Collaboration with chefs and front-of-house is essential to deliver an outstanding guest dining experience, while maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of professional cooking experience preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary education is a plus.
• Experience with inventory, receiving deliveries, and product rotation preferred.
• ServSafe Food Handler or Manager Certification and Allergy Awareness Training preferred.
• Hospitality, hotel, or resort experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items according to standardized recipes, ensuring quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Execute grilling, sautéing, roasting, frying, baking, and broiling techniques.
• Monitor food quality, temperatures, and portion sizes while minimizing waste and controlling costs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation per health regulations and company standards.
• Follow all food safety procedures including FIFO and proper labeling/rotation.
• Assist with receiving, inspecting, storing, and organizing deliveries and kitchen inventory.
• Collaborate with the culinary team to ensure timely prep and execution across meals and events.
• Communicate effectively with chefs, kitchen staff, and front-of-house to ensure outstanding guest experiences.
• Assist with plating, garnishing, and other kitchen duties to support efficient service.
• Contribute ideas for seasonal specials and menu enhancements.
• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment and report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Support teammates to maintain a positive, team-oriented kitchen environment.

Skills

Passion for creating food

Attention to detail

Calm under pressure

Communication & teamwork

Cleanliness & professionalism

Follow recipes & procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary education (plus)

ServSafe Food Handler/Manager (preferred)

Allergy awareness training (preferred)

Tools

Grill station

Sauté station

Broiler/fryer station

Garde manger

Expediting

Commercial kitchen equipment

Job description

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items according to standardized recipes, ensuring exceptional quality, consistency, and presentation.

• Execute a variety of cooking techniques, including grilling, sautéing, roasting, frying, baking, and broiling.

• Monitor food quality, temperatures, and portion sizes while minimizing waste and maintaining cost controls.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation in accordance with health department regulations and company standards.

• Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures, including proper food handling, storage, labeling, and rotation (FIFO).

• Assist with receiving, inspecting, storing, and organizing food deliveries and kitchen inventory.

• Work collaboratively with the culinary team to ensure timely preparation and execution during breakfast, lunch, dinner, banquets, and special events.

• Communicate effectively with chefs, kitchen staff, and front-of-house team members to ensure an outstanding guest dining experience.

• Assist with food preparation, plating, garnishing, and other kitchen duties as needed to support efficient service.

• Contribute ideas for seasonal specials, menu enhancements, and creative presentations.

• Properly operate and maintain kitchen equipment while reporting any maintenance or safety concerns.

• Support fellow team members and help maintain a positive, team-oriented kitchen environment.

Skills & Qualifications

• Passion for creating exceptional food and memorable guest experiences.

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to consistently produce high‑quality dishes.

• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced kitchen while remaining organized and composed under pressure.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• Dependable, punctual, and committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and professionalism.

• Ability to follow recipes, instructions, and company procedures while adapting to changing service demands.

Technical Skills

• Proficient knife skills and experience using commercial kitchen equipment.

• Experience with grill, sauté, broiler, fry station, garde manger, and/or expediting.

• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, temperature controls, and cross‑contamination prevention.

• Ability to prepare meals efficiently while maintaining quality and presentation standards.

Experience & Education

• Minimum of two (2) years of professional cooking experience preferred.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary education is a plus.

• Experience with inventory management, receiving deliveries, and product rotation is preferred.

• ServSafe Food Handler or Manager Certification and Allergy Awareness Training are preferred.

• Hospitality, hotel, or resort experience is a plus.