Culinary Associate - School Environment

Quest Food Management Services Llc; Winnetka (IL); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Quest Food Management Services Llc in Winnetka, IL is hiring a Cook / Culinary Associate to support the school environment. The role focuses on preparing and serving fresh meals, following Quest standards, and contributing to a welcoming service line.

You will work Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with responsibilities across hot and cold prep, salads, and catering support, while adhering to HACCP and food safety guidelines. Prior school or high-volume kitchen experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of cooking or food service experience.
• Ability to meet state/local Food Handler certification requirements.
• Ability to follow recipes and safety procedures.
• Basic math for portions and conversions.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, team environment.
• Reliable attendance for Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM–2:30 PM.

Responsibilities

• Prepare hot and cold menu items per recipes and schedules.
• Assemble, portion, garnish, and present items for service.
• Assist with salads, grab-and-go items, and bulk prep.
• Receive deliveries and store them properly.
• Maintain clean, stocked workstations and equipment.
• Support catering and special events as needed.

Skills

Cooking

Food prep

Teamwork

Food safety

Food safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Culinary Associate - School Environment

Full Time Service Workers North Shore Country Day School, Winnetka, IL, US

23 days ago Requisition ID: 4555

Cook / Culinary Associate

Schedule: Monday-Friday | 6:30 AM-2:30 PM

Position Summary

The Cook plays an important role in the day-to-day operation of the kitchen by preparing and serving fresh, high-quality meals according to Quest standards.

This position is responsible for both hot and cold food preparation and may assist with salads, grab-and-go items, bulk preparation, catering, receiving deliveries, and general kitchen cleaning. The Cook also serves customers and helps maintain an organized, welcoming, and professional food service line.

The Cook follows standardized recipes and production schedules to ensure food is prepared safely, consistently, and on time for service. All food preparation, handling, storage, and service must follow HACCP requirements and applicable food safety and sanitation guidelines.

Job Requirements

The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the role.

Required

At least 1 year of cooking, food preparation, or related food service experience

Ability to meet and maintain applicable state and local Food Handler certification requirements

Ability to follow standardized recipes, production instructions, and food safety procedures

Basic math skills and ability to understand measurements, portions, and recipe conversions

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Dependable attendance and ability to consistently work the scheduled Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM-2:30 PM shift

Preferred

Previous food service experience in a school, university, cafeteria, restaurant, or similar high-volume food service environment

Culinary education or training

Food Preparation & Production

Prepare food according to production sheets, standardized recipes, established schedules, and menu requirements.

Prepare both hot and cold menu items while maintaining Quest standards for quality, portioning, and presentation.

Accurately assemble, portion, garnish, and present menu items for service.

Assist with salads, sandwiches, grab-and-go items, bulk preparation, and other menu offerings as assigned.

Complete preparation for upcoming meal periods or the following day's production as needed.

Assist with catering preparation and special events as assigned.

Maintain appropriate food quantities throughout service and communicate product needs or shortages to the supervisor.

Minimize food waste by following proper preparation, portioning, and storage procedures.

Set up and maintain assigned food preparation and service areas.

Receive, inspect, and properly store kitchen deliveries.

Follow proper procedures for labeling, dating, storing, and rotating food products.

Safely transport food and supplies to and from kitchen and service areas.

Properly use and care for kitchen equipment and immediately report equipment or maintenance concerns to a supervisor.

Keep workstations stocked, organized, and ready for service.

Food Safety, Sanitation & Compliance

Follow Quest standards and all applicable food safety and sanitation requirements.

Follow HACCP procedures and established food handling practices.

Take and record food temperatures as required.

Maintain clean and sanitary food preparation, storage, and service areas.

Complete assigned daily and weekly cleaning and sanitation duties.

Follow proper procedures for preventing cross-contamination and maintaining safe food temperatures.

Teamwork & Customer Service

Provide friendly, professional service to students, staff, and guests.

Work collaboratively with other members of the kitchen and food service team.

Communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers to support efficient daily operations.

Demonstrate Quest's values and service standards through daily interactions and work.

Report to scheduled shifts on time and in proper uniform in accordance with Quest policies.

Perform other duties as assigned to support the food service operation.