General Cook - Banquets

Hersheypark; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

FREE admission to Hersheypark

Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

401K contribution

Paid time off

Job summary

A renowned family resort in Pennsylvania is looking for a culinary team member who will produce high-quality food while adhering to established standards. Applicants must have at least one year of cooking experience and be able to complete a cooking test. Competitive benefits include medical coverage and free admission to entertainment properties. The role demands evening and weekend availability, aligning with union scheduling.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a minimum of 1 year of cooking experience or currently hold a culinary position in a similar restaurant, hotel, or private club setting.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Complete a mystery‑basket cooking test including 3 courses in 4 hours.
• Must obtain ServSafe certification.

Responsibilities

• Produce consistent food projects while following recipes with reduced supervision.
• Exhibit advanced knowledge in knife skills and cooking techniques.
• Identify and safely use all kitchen equipment.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary work area.
• Assist and train culinary interns and general cooks.

Job description

Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA

Join the team at Hershey Lodge, an award‑winning resort best known for being warm, welcoming, and distinctly Hershey. Offering 665 guest rooms and 100,000 square feet of function space, Hershey Lodge provides convenience and comfort for families and guests of all ages. We hope you’ll enjoy the sweet hospitality and iconic chocolate details around every corner.

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company (HE&R) is an award‑winning entertainment & hospitality organization with properties including Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, Giant Center, Restaurants, and more. Our team members share a common goal of upholding the legacy of our founder, Milton S. Hershey, while striving to live by our company’s Core Values: Devoted to the Legacy, Selfless Spirit of Service, Team Focused, and Respectful of Others. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts is committed to cultivating diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce, marketplace, and community, and is proud to help fulfill the dream of our founder by providing value to Milton Hershey School.

As a full‑time team member, you will enjoy sweet perks such as FREE admission to Hersheypark, discounts, and more as soon as you receive your Employee ID! Your total compensation includes not only hourly wages but also Medical, Dental, Vision coverage beginning the first day of the month after you start, a 401K contribution, paid time off, and so much more.

Job Duties (Duties marked with an asterisk are essential functions of this job)

• Produce consistent food projects while following recipes with reduced supervision from the chef, maintaining quality standards.
• Exhibit advanced knowledge, understanding, and application of knife skills and cooking techniques.
• Identify and safely use all kitchen equipment.
• Properly label, date, and rotate all products to ensure safe keeping and sanitation.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and sanitary work area in accordance with Health Department / ServSafe standards.
• Assist, train, and guide culinary interns and general cooks in daily tasks.
• Work multiple stations in your designated area, on your shift, including but not limited to Garde Manager, A‑la‑Carte Hot Line, Banquets, etc.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of inventory control, requisitions, and par levels.
• Perform other job‑related duties as required, including nightly food requisitions from the butcher/storeroom and prep lists, etc.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a minimum of 1 year of cooking experience or currently hold a culinary position in a similar restaurant, hotel, or private club setting.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Complete a mystery‑basket cooking test including 3 courses in 4 hours.
• Must obtain ServSafe certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledgeable of kitchen equipment, good knife skills, and possess a full tool kit.
• Knowledgeable of weights and measures, as well as basic math applications.
• Must be able to assist, train, and direct culinary interns and general cooks in daily tasks.
• Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English.
• Skilled with a minimum of two cuisines. Examples may include but are not limited to Asian, Italian, Classical, New American, and Mexican.

Job Demands

• Reaching Forward Constant (>67%)
• Reaching Overhead Occasional (<33%)
• Finger Dexterity Constant (>67%)
• Stooping Occasional (<33%)
• Bending Occasional (<33%)
• Walking Frequent (34–66%)
• Additional physical requirements include repetitive elbow motions for chopping, repetitive wrist motions for stirring and chopping.
• Must have the ability of taste buds to distinguish between and among flavors, spices, temperature, and mouthfeel of food and beverage.
• Must have the ability of olfactory nerves to distinguish between and among odors and scents as to their appeal and level of intensity.
• Must be able to work in extreme temperatures.

This is a union position and the work schedule will be based on union seniority. Candidates must be able to meet scheduled requirements, which will most likely require evening and weekend hours.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Hershey Entertainment and Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.