Cook - Seasonal Event Cook

Haymarket; United States; On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Haymarket seeks a Seasonal Event Cook 2 to prepare, cook, and plate for special events in a fast-paced kitchen. You will follow established recipes, maintain food safety standards, and contribute to a positive guest experience.

In this role you will support the kitchen team during events, set up and break down stations, and ensure timely, high-quality service while maintaining cleanliness and consistency throughout service.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent or on-the-job training.
• 2 years cooking experience.
• Experience with event catering is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and Cook Menu Items
• Follow Food Safety and Sanitation Standards
• Set Up and Break Down Workstations
• Assist with Event Service Execution
• Work Effectively as Part of a Team

Skills

Food prep

Cooking techniques

Communication

Recipe and portion control

Time management

Food safety

Education

High School diploma or equivalent on job training

Job description

The Seasonal Event Cook 2 is responsible for preparing, cooking, and plating food for special events, following established recipes and safety standards. This role supports the kitchen team in delivering high quality meals in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while ensuring consistency, cleanliness, and timeliness in all food service operations. The cook plays a key role in creating a positive guest experience by contributing to efficient and smooth culinary operations during events.

Business Outcomes

• Enhanced Guest Satisfaction: By consistently preparing high-quality, flavorful, and well-presented dishes, the cook contributes directly to a positive guest experience, encouraging repeat attendance and favorable reviews.
• Efficient Event Execution: Timely food preparation supports smooth service during events, helping to maintain schedules and avoid delays, which enhances overall event flow and professionalism.
• Compliance with Health and Safety Standards: Ensure all food handling and preparations comply with regulatory and internal standards, reducing the risk of violations or foodborne illness.

Essential Functions

• Prepare and Cook Menu Items
• Follow Food Safety and Sanitation Standards
• Set Up and Break Down Workstations
• Assist with Event Service Execution
• Work Effectively as Part of a Team

Characteristics of the Position

• Steady, and even pace to promote accuracy and quality of work. Repetitive routines. Complete set of procedures and tasks completed before new ones are begun.
• Technical/analytical focus work within established systems, standards, and procedures. Communication is based on job knowledge and expertise.
• Decision-making within clearly defined job scope, based on defined policies and procedures supported by management.
• Focused on job knowledge and expertise. Helpful, supportive communication with management and peers. Collaborative approach in structured job environment.
• Leadership focused on consistent, accurate, quality work output. Supportive, non-threatening leadership style. Delegation to others when appropriate, using training, coaching and on the job experience.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Food Preparation and Cooking Skills: Proficient in basic and intermediate cooking techniques.
• Communication: Strong communication skills to effectively delegate tasks, provide feedback, and coordinate with other kitchen staff members.
• Recipe and Portion Control: Ability to follow standardized recipes accurately and maintain consistent portion sizes.
• Time Management: Ability to manage time effectively to meet deadlines and maintain a steady pace of culinary operations.
• Food Safety and Sanitation Practices: Understanding of and adherence to food safety protocols, including proper food handling, storage, and sanitation.

Education and Experience

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent on job training.
• Experience: 2 years cooking experience

Physical / Other Requirements (such as travel/nights/weekends):

• Ability to lift and carry: Cooks may need to lift heavy trays, pots, and pans, so they should be able to lift and carry items safely.
• Standing for long periods: Cooking often involves standing for extended periods, so candidates should be comfortable with this requirement.
• Manual dexterity: Cooking requires good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to handle knives, kitchen equipment, and other items efficiently.
• Endurance: Cooking can be physically demanding, so candidates have the endurance to maintain a steady pace throughout their shift.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment: In busy kitchens, cooks must keep up with the flow of prep and service, so they should be able to work efficiently under pressure.
• Tolerance for heat and humidity: Kitchen areas can be hot and humid, so candidates should be able to tolerate these conditions.
• Attention to detail: Cooks need to ensure that attention is being paid to every aspect of the recipe and execution process.
• Good communication skills: While not strictly physical, being able to communicate effectively with other kitchen staff is important for coordinating tasks and maintaining a smooth workflow.
• Ability to follow safety protocols: Cooks should adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries in the kitchen.