Cook - Events and Catering

City of Roanoke, Virginia; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Roanoke is seeking a Cook to prepare high-quality food for a fast-paced entertainment and sports facility. You will work with the Food & Beverage team to handle concessions, banquets, and events, ensuring safety, quality, and consistency in every plate.

Requirements include ServSafe certification or strong food-safety knowledge, plus experience in high-volume food service. Flexibility for evenings and event schedules is essential.

Qualifications

• ServSafe certification or strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation.
• Experience in high-volume food-service environments such as restaurant or events.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food according to recipes, menus, and established quality standards.
• Assist with food preparation for concessions, catering, banquets, and special events.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and work area.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Properly store, label, date, and rotate food products using established procedures.
• Monitor food temperatures and ensure proper cooking, cooling, reheating, and holding procedures.
• Assist with inventory control, receiving, and proper storage of food and supplies.
• Help maintain appropriate food quantities during high-volume events and adjust production as needed.
• Work efficiently under pressure while maintaining food quality and presentation.
• Demonstrate creativity and initiative when preparing food and assisting with menu development or special-event offerings.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and other members of the Food & Beverage team.
• Assist with cleaning and closing duties as assigned. Follow all facility policies and procedures, including safety and security requirements. Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Food prep

Teamwork

Fast-paced

Job description

The Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality food in a fast-paced entertainment and sports facility serving guests at a variety of events, including concerts, sporting events, shows, banquets, and private functions. This position requires someone who is organized, dependable, creative, and able to maintain high standards of food quality and safety while working in a high-volume environment. The ideal candidate enjoys working as part of a team, takes pride in their work, and understands that excellent food and service are an important part of the overall guest experience.

The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.

To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.

This is a non-exempt position. Other duties may be assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare and cook food according to recipes, menus, and established quality standards.
• Assist with food preparation for concessions, catering, banquets, and special events.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and work area.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Properly store, label, date, and rotate food products using established procedures.
• Monitor food temperatures and ensure proper cooking, cooling, reheating, and holding procedures.
• Assist with inventory control, receiving, and proper storage of food and supplies.
• Help maintain appropriate food quantities during high-volume events and adjust production as needed.
• Work efficiently under pressure while maintaining food quality and presentation.
• Demonstrate creativity and initiative when preparing food and assisting with menu development or special-event offerings.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and other members of the Food & Beverage team.
• Assist with cleaning and closing duties as assigned. Follow all facility policies and procedures, including safety and security requirements. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• ServSafe Certification is strongly preferred; candidates must possess ServSafe certification or demonstrate strong knowledge and understanding of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Previous cooking experience in a restaurant, catering, hospitality, sports, entertainment, or other high-volume food-service environment preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to follow recipes, instructions, and established food-safety procedures.
• Reliable and dependable with a strong work ethic.
• Creative approach to food preparation and presentation.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform the physical requirements of the position.

Schedule Requirements

Because the facility hosts concerts, sporting events, performances, and other events throughout the year, this position requires flexibility and availability to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and event-driven schedules. Work hours may vary based on the facility's event schedule.

Desired Qualities

• Organized and able to manage multiple tasks at once.
• Creative and passionate about food. Safety-minded, with a strong understanding of food safety and sanitation.
• Team-oriented and willing to jump in wherever needed.
• Reliable and committed to providing consistent, high-quality work.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a busy, ever-changing environment.
• Guest-focused, understanding the importance of quality food and service to the overall event experience.

Work Environment

This is a high-energy position in a busy entertainment and sports facility. The Cook may work during concerts, hockey games, theatrical performances, banquets, festivals, and other large-scale events. The ability to remain calm, organized, and productive during periods of high volume is essential.

Every Guest. Every Event. Every Time