Cook - School Environment

QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 2,755,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals during shifts

8 paid holidays

401(k) with company matching

Career growth & paid training

Sick time payout

Job summary

QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES is seeking a Cook I to support school kitchens with fresh, high-quality meals and friendly service for students, staff, and guests. The role involves following Quest recipes, maintaining hygiene, and assisting with hot/cold prep, grab-and-go items, and catering as needed.

The position emphasizes food safety, proper storage, and a clean, organized work area while collaborating with managers and team members to ensure smooth daily service.

Qualifications

• Previous cooking, food preparation, restaurant, cafeteria, or food service experience preferred.
• Ability to follow recipes, production instructions, and food safety procedures.
• Strong attention to cleanliness, organization, and food quality.
• Dependable and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to provide courteous service in a fast-paced school environment.
• Food Handler Certification or ability to obtain required certification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare menu items according to Quest recipes, production schedules, and portion standards.
• Assist with hot and cold food preparation, including salads, sandwiches, grab-and-go items, and other menu offerings.
• Set up, maintain, and serve food on the cafeteria line.
• Provide friendly and professional service to students, staff, and guests.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and temperature-control procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen and work area throughout the shift.
• Receive, inspect, properly store, and rotate food and supply deliveries.
• Assist with catering preparation and service as needed.
• Complete assigned cleaning and sanitation duties, including equipment, utensils, work surfaces, and kitchen areas.
• Follow proper procedures for food storage, labeling, dating, and rotation.
• Communicate effectively with managers and other team members to ensure smooth daily service.
• Follow Quest policies, procedures, safety standards, and operational expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the food service operation.

Skills

Cooking experience

Follow recipes

Cleanliness

Team player

Courteous service

Food handler cert

Job description

Cook I

Position Summary

The Cook I prepares and serves fresh, high-quality meals while providing friendly service to students, staff, and guests. This role supports the daily operation of the school kitchen by preparing menu items according to Quest recipes and standards, maintaining a clean and organized work area, and following all food safety and sanitation requirements.

The Cook I may assist with hot and cold food preparation, grab-and-go items, catering, receiving deliveries, serving on the cafeteria line, and general kitchen cleaning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare menu items according to Quest recipes, production schedules, and portion standards.
• Assist with hot and cold food preparation, including salads, sandwiches, grab-and-go items, and other menu offerings.
• Set up, maintain, and serve food on the cafeteria line.
• Provide friendly and professional service to students, staff, and guests.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and temperature-control procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen and work area throughout the shift.
• Receive, inspect, properly store, and rotate food and supply deliveries.
• Assist with catering preparation and service as needed.
• Complete assigned cleaning and sanitation duties, including equipment, utensils, work surfaces, and kitchen areas.
• Follow proper procedures for food storage, labeling, dating, and rotation.
• Communicate effectively with managers and other team members to ensure smooth daily service.
• Follow Quest policies, procedures, safety standards, and operational expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the food service operation.

Qualifications

• Previous cooking, food preparation, restaurant, cafeteria, or food service experience preferred.
• Ability to follow recipes, production instructions, and food safety procedures.
• Strong attention to cleanliness, organization, and food quality.
• Dependable and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to provide courteous service in a fast-paced school environment.
• Food Handler Certification or ability to obtain required certification.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods; frequently bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions; and safely lift, carry, push, or pull items commonly used in a commercial kitchen environment.

Cook I Benefits

As a Part-Time or Full-Time Hourly Quest Team Member, you can expect:

• Career growth opportunities and paid training
• Work-life balance — no nights, no weekends, and summers off
• Free meals during scheduled shifts
• Annual Shoes for Crews credit
• 8 paid company holidays
• Two performance review opportunities per school year with potential pay increases
• Employee referral bonuses
• Payout of eligible unused sick time
• Pre-tax public transportation and parking benefits
• Illinois Paid Leave benefits in accordance with applicable law
• 401(k) with company matching

Full-Time Team Members are also eligible for:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Additional voluntary benefits

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