Food Service Cook

Cordova Recreation and Park District; Orchard (CA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Cordova Recreation & Park District is seeking a dedicated part-time Food Service Cook for the Neil Orchard Senior Activities Center. You will prepare and cook meals for 80-100 seniors, integrating Farm to Fork concepts and onsite garden produce.

Responsibilities include menu planning, shopping, coordinating volunteers, and kitchen clean-up. ServSafe certification or commitment to obtain within 90 days is required.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade and some experience in nutrition, menu planning, cooking, and serving for large groups of at least 100.
• Knowledge of health standards for food handling and safety practices.
• Ability to plan and prepare nutritional meals and manage kitchen tasks.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals several times a week for 80-100 participants using fresh onsite garden produce.
• Assist with menu planning and create shopping lists; oversee kitchen volunteers and events.
• Maintain kitchen records, inventory, and program materials; ensure kitchen cleanliness and safety.

Skills

Food preparation

Kitchen safety

Menu planning

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Slicer

Oven

Job description

Position open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

The Cordova Recreation & Park District (District) is seeking a dedicated individual to join the Neil Orchard Senior Activities Center team as a part-time Food Service Cook.

This is a fantastic opportunity to prepare meals for our valued senior community in a modern kitchen.

Typical Schedule

This position comes with a desirable part-time schedule of Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for a total of 20-25 hours a week. On rare occasions, could be scheduled to work nights and weekends for special events.

The Food Service Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking meals several times a week for 80-100 participants and must be comfortable with the Farm to Fork concept by incorporating fresh produce from the onsite garden. The Food Service Cook will also oversee meal preparation for the senior center's monthly special events. In addition to meal preparation, duties will include assisting with menu planning, creating shopping lists, coordinating and overseeing kitchen volunteers, and kitchen clean up (dishes, appliances, laundry).

Prospective applicants must also possess a ServSafe Food Handlers Card and/or ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification or obtain certification within 90 days of employment at the District's expense.

Summary Description

Under direction of a Recreation Supervisor II, assists in all aspects of kitchen operations and special events for seniors at the Neil Orchard Senior Activities Center; trains and works with kitchen staff volunteers; and communicates with senior patrons and the supervisor regarding kitchen functions.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Prepare and cook meals multiple times a week for 80-100 participants using the Farm to Fork concept by incorporating fresh produce from the onsite garden; follow Health Department/Food Handling Safety laws and regulations.
• Prepare meals for the senior center's monthly special events; recruit volunteers for the kitchen as needed for events.
• Assist with menu planning and create recipes; create shopping lists and shop as necessary.
• Prepare reports and maintains records, correspondence, and program materials for kitchen programs; maintain inventory of kitchen supplies.
• Answer the kitchen phone and greet lunch visitors.
• Oversee the needs of all catering activities conducted at the Senior Center.
• Operate a variety of equipment and machines including a slicer, chopper, mixer, oven, stove, sanitizer, and related appliances.
• Oversees and assists in organizing kitchen and kitchen clean-up; keep the kitchen clean and free of any safety concerns.
• Teach cooking classes as assigned.
• May work with other recreation programs as necessary.
• Perform related duties as required.

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of

• Materials and methods of preparing food for large groups.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Menu planning, purchasing, and record keeping for kitchen operations.
• Principles and practices of nutritional meal planning, food production, quality control, and meal forecasting.
• Methods and techniques of food handling, preparation, cooking, and storage.
• Methods and techniques of kitchen equipment use and capability.
• State health standards for institutional food preparation.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions.

Ability to

• Plan and prepare nutritional meals.
• Calculate food and supply requirements for many people.
• Prepare and cook all types of foods in an appropriate, sanitary manner.
• Plan and carryout the work of a given menu.
• Respond accurately to questions and negotiate issues relating to special dietary needs.
• Adjust menu or dishes as appropriate.
• Safely operate, clean, and service kitchen equipment.
• Comply with health and food handling standards.
• Organize and oversee the work of volunteers.
• Adhere to the policy manual.
• Operate a calculator, copier, and other similar reproduction equipment.
• Have a clear understanding of the various Center programs to assist the general public with their questions.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Drive a vehicle to conduct District business relevant to the job.

Education and Experience Guidelines

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade and some experience in nutrition, menu planning, cooking, and serving for large groups of at least 100.

License or Certificate

Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License is required.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, First Aid/CPR/AED certification within thirty (30) days of employment.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a ServSafe Food Handlers card at the expense of the District is required.

Additional Requirements

Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks.

Must be 18 years or older.

PHYSCIAL DEMANDS WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.

Environment

Work is performed in an indoor environment with extensive public contact and constant interruptions; exposure to toxic chemicals; may be required to work days, night, weekends, and holidays.

Physical

Mobility and dexterity to work in an indoor setting; to stand for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; use of standard office equipment; to push, pull, lift, and/or carry objects up to 45 pounds; occasional working alone; to make frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and coworker contact; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision

See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing

Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

NOTE: The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department.

Pre-Hire Requirements

Before an employee is hired, they must successfully complete pre-employment requirements that may include, but are not limited to: fingerprinting and Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks, a clear tuberculosis screening, reference check, DMV check, licensure/certification check, and proof of eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Cordova Recreation & Park District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.