Cook I — Caring, High-Quality Meals for Seniors

Mennonite Village; Albany (OR); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Mennonite Village is seeking a Cook I to join our dining services team. This role focuses on preparing nutritious meals for residents, guests, and staff, while supporting a positive dining experience in a team-oriented environment.

You will follow standardized recipes, assist with meal service, and help ensure meals meet therapeutic and dietary needs. The position emphasizes food safety, quality, and collaboration within the kitchen staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid Food Handler's Card or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Experience in restaurant, healthcare, senior living, or institutional kitchen preferred.
• Valid driver's license or golf cart license.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Maintain regular attendance and schedule consistency.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals following standardized recipes and food safety guidelines.
• Assist with meal service and food production to ensure meals are served on schedule.
• Prepare foods for therapeutic, modified texture, and special diets.
• Monitor food quality, temperatures, and inventory rotation procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment.
• Assist with special events, catering functions, and holiday meals as needed.

Skills

Institutional kitchen experience

Food safety and sanitation

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Multitasking ability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

Full-Time Position Available

Do you enjoy preparing great food and creating meals that make a difference in someone's day? Mennonite Village is seeking a Cook I to join our dining services team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys cooking, working in a team-oriented environment, and serving older adults. As a Cook I, you'll help prepare nutritious, high-quality meals while supporting a positive dining experience for residents, guests, and staff.

At Mennonite Village, you'll enjoy a supportive workplace, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of seniors every day.

Why Mennonite Village?

Service is at the heart of what we do at Mennonite Village. We work diligently to ensure that our residents are able to live their best lives. We are a mission-driven organization dedicated to serving older adults with dignity and respect. We offer a supportive team environment with opportunities to learn, grow, and advance within our dining services department

What You'll Do

• Prepare and cook meals following standardized recipes and food safety guidelines
• Assist with meal service and food production to ensure meals are served accurately and on schedule
• Prepare foods for therapeutic, modified texture, and special diets
• Monitor food quality, temperatures, and inventory rotation procedures
• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment
• Assist with special events, catering functions, and holiday meals as needed.

Qualities That Set You Apart

• Previous experience in a restaurant, healthcare, senior living, or institutional kitchen
• Strong attention to food quality, safety, and sanitation standards
• Positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team
• Ability to stay organized and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to excellent service for residents, guests, and coworkers

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mennonite Village values diversity and inclusion and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational need, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected classification under applicable law. We welcome individuals who share our mission of serving older adults with dignity, respect, and compassion.

We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment and to offering reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid Food Handler's Card or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Previous experience in a restaurant, healthcare, senior living, school, hospital, or other institutional food service environment.
• Valid driver's license or valid golf cart driver's license.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and work a consistent schedule.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of cooking experience.
• Experience preparing meals for large groups or therapeutic diets.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment, including ovens, ranges, steamers, slicers, mixers, and carts.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, twist, kneel, and lift throughout the workday.
• Ability to inspect, taste, and smell food to evaluate quality and freshness.
• Ability to work in kitchen conditions that may include heat, cold temperatures, cooking odors, wet floors, an potential exposure burns.