Cook I

RidgeCrest; Mount Airy (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Ridgecrest is seeking a Cook I to join our culinary team in a collaborative, front-and-back of house environment. This entry-level role covers basic kitchen skills, sanitation, opening/closing tasks, and Pathway duties while learning under the supervision of a chef.

You will work with the team to ensure quality, safety, and accurate preparation of menu items, following standards and policies for the kitchen and resident meals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–2 years’ experience in a similar position preferred.
• Culinary training is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with front and back of house teams.
• Adhere to HACCP, labeling, and storage protocols.
• Follow safety protocols and maintain safe work culture.
• Maintain temperature chart records.
• Communicate with community departments and Home Office support.
• Participate in planning and production meetings.
• Attend required in-service training and education programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Executive Chef or Dining Director.

Skills

English fluency

Attendance & punctuality

Software & office equipment

Following directions

Independent work

Education

High school diploma / GED

1–2 years similar role

Culinary training a plus

Job description

At Ridgecrest, we're not just a luxury senior living company; we're a community recognized as a Great Place to Work ®—and we take immense pride in that designation. Our philosophy, “People First, Always,” underscores everything we do. We believe that our dedicated team is our greatest asset, driving us to create compassionate, respectful, and meaningful interactions every day.

Why Choose Ridgecrest?

• A Culture of Growth and Teamwork: We foster an environment where your contributions are celebrated, and your personal and professional growth is encouraged.
• Make a Difference: Your work will enrich the lives of our residents and fellow team members, creating a lasting positive impact in our community.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a team that values each member's input, promotes collaboration, and strives to create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

We’re Looking for a Cook I:

As a Cook I, you will be responsible for working in a collaborative manner with the front and back of the house team members.

Are You Ready to Make an Impact?

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is the first step in culinary arts for anyone in our company that wishes to begin their career in the in the heart of the house. This rank is for anyone with basic kitchen knowledge, or for anyone wishing to obtain the basic skills for an entry level position in the kitchen. A Cook 1 should be familiar with the main and satellite kitchens, Should know basic food sanitation guidelines, they should know the policies and procedures of the kitchen including but not limited to opening, closing, shopping and prep lists, They should consistently practice Mis En Place on a daily basis, a CDM should have reviewed all of the therapeutic diets and signed off on each of the diets having coached and trained on all of them, a chef should have signed off on their knife cuts and can now execute each on a daily basis, They should be able to produce each of the egg dishes assigned to them in the Pathway, and they should be able to execute all of the sandwiches assigned to them in the Pathway.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Working in a collaborative manner with the front and back of the house team members, ensuring compliance with Senior Living Communities’ standards for quality, presentation and portion control are met.
• Adhere to all proper handling, HACCP, labeling, and storage protocols for all foods and ensure compliance with all relevant food service regulations.
• Follow all safety protocols and consistently practice a culture of safety.
• Maintain documentation of temperature charts and records.
• Maintain an open communication and professional working relationship with all community departments and Home Office support team to ensure residents remain happy and living the Weller Life.
• Actively participate in planning and production meetings with the team.
• Attend and actively participate in required in-service training and education programs.
• Other duties as assigned and directed by the Executive Chef or Director of Dining Services.

Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Expected Hours of Work:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Capable of standing, maneuvering independently and safety around work area.
• Capable of standing on a tile floor for an eight-hour shift.
• Ability to see and hear, or to use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to assure that position requirements can be fully.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to operate a fire extinguisher and to manipulate kitchen equipment, including slicer, chopper, processor, knives, etc.
• An individual in this position will be required to lift or carry weight up to 50 lbs.
• Must be free of diseases that can be transmitted in the performance of job responsibilities during the stage of communicability unless the employee can be given duties that minimize the likelihood of transmission.
• May be exposed to minimal to moderate noise and exposure to blood and/or body fluids.
• May experience traumatic situations including psychiatric and deceased residents.
• Subject to moderate physical and emotional stress associated with food service.
• Performance of job tasks will involve exposure to cleaning chemicals, heat and cold.

TRAVEL:

No travel is expected, although occasional travel may be required for training sessions, continuing education opportunities, emergency situations, and other company functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High school graduation or GED required.
• 1-2 years’ experience in a similar position desired.
• Culinary training a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English fluently.
• Ability to meet or exceed the company’s attendance and punctuality standards.
• Ability to use miscellaneous software and office equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow directions as given.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.