First Cook

Lowell General Hospital; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 25,912 - 32,387; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Free on-campus parking

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Lowell General Hospital is seeking a Per Diem Food Service Worker to prepare meals for staff and visitors while ensuring quality and safety standards are met. Responsibilities include cooking, portioning, and presenting a variety of food items, adhering to hygiene protocols, and maintaining a clean kitchen environment.

Ideal candidates will have at least one year of food service experience, preferably with a ServSafe certification. The job requires flexible hours and a collaborative approach to achieve kitchen goals.

Qualifications

• One year of related experience in a food services environment.
• ServSafe certification preferred.
• Training in an apprenticeship program or cooking school is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food for all regular and modified diet meals.
• Practice HACCP food production and handling principles.
• Follow menus and prepare food items in advance.
• Monitor food quality and storage practices.
• Clean and maintain kitchen and work areas.

Skills

Food services experience

Cooking skills

HACCP knowledge

ServSafe certification

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Overview

Under general supervision, this position prepares meals for staff and visitors using the Hospital's standards of accuracy, quantity, appearance and quality. This position is responsible to accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for various meal periods (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Special/Catered Events) in all areas of food production (Patient, Retail and Catering).

What We Offer

• 403(b) retirement with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free on-campus parking
• Career growth opportunities

Location

Lowell General Hospital, Saints Campus - 1 Hospital Drive - Lowell, MA

Hours

Per diem Hours - Minimum of 8 hours weekly, Day/ Afternoon/ Evening anytime from 5:30am - 8:30pm. Every other weekend (Sat-Sun) and every other holiday is required.

Minimum Qualifications

• One (1) year of related experience in a food services environment or restaurant.

Preferred Qualifications

• Training in an apprenticeship program, vocation, or cooking school.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• ServSafe certification.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Follow the menu, prepare and cook food for all regular and modified diet meals, assuring quantity, quality, and timeliness of the meals according to designated recipes and daily production sheets.
2. Practice accepted HACCP food production and food handling principles. Utilize hairnet, gloves, apron, etc. to optimize infection control and cleanliness per regulations.
3. Review menus and prepare any food items that can be prepared in advance and store appropriately.
4. Follow basic recipes and/or product directions for preparing, seasoning, cooking, tasting, carving and serving soups, meats, vegetables, desserts and other food items for consumption in eating establishments.
5. Prepare foods by operating a variety of kitchen equipment to measure and mix ingredients, wash, peel, cut, shred fruits and vegetables, and trim and cut meat, poultry or fish for culinary use.
6. Taste products, read menus, estimate food requirements, check production, and keep records to accurately plan production requirements and requisition supplies and equipment.
7. Open and close kitchen. Ensure the uninterrupted supply of food to the service area, planning and preparing ahead for menu substitutions as necessary in consultation with department leadership.
8. Monitor quality of food, alert Manager of foods which appear substandard or spoiled.
9. Ensure proper storage of frozen and refrigerated food items, including labeling, dating and marking of all prepared items according to department and HACCP standards.
10. Assure food is properly stored after each meal and consult with leadership on the use of leftovers, substitutions, and the next day's menu.
11. Clean and/or oversee cleaning and sanitation of work area, kitchen, supply rooms, freezers, and food preparation equipment.
12. Maintain collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues to effectively contribute to the working groups achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment.
13. Report problems concerning spoiled or unattractive food, defective supplies and other unusual conditions such as unsafe equipment or any other unsafe conditions.
14. May perform a variety of routine manual tasks, such as loading and unloading and storing groceries, floor sweeping, cleaning.
15. May produce food and serve customers at an a la carte or operate a grill station.

About Lowell General

For more than 125 years, Lowell General has served the Greater Lowell community with pride. We balance the first‑rate care of a premier medical center with the warmth of a four‑time Magnet‑recognized community hospital. As a member of our team, you'll join over 3,000 dedicated care providers to offer complete, connected care, when and where patients need it most.

Magnet Designation

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) honored Lowell General Hospital with Magnet Recognition for excellence in nursing care, our fourth designation achieved in March 2025! The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes healthcare organizations dedicated to nursing excellence, professionalism, and patient‑focused care. It is the highest level of recognition an organization can receive for providing the very best quality in patient care. Only nine percent of hospitals in the United States have achieved Magnet status and fewer than one percent of hospitals have achieved a fourth consecutive Magnet designation.

Compensation

At Tufts Medicine, we want every individual to feel valued for the skills and experience they bring. Our compensation philosophy is designed to offer fair, competitive pay that attracts, retains, and motivates highly talented individuals, while rewarding the important work you do every day.

The base pay ranges reflect the minimum qualifications for the role. Individual offers are determined using a comprehensive approach that considers relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity to ensure compensation is fair, consistent, and aligned with our business goals.

Beyond base pay, Tufts Medicine provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package that supports your health, financial security, and career growth – one of the many ways we invest in you so you can thrive both at work and outside of it.

Pay Range

$18.81 - $23.51