Lead Cook_NE-TX_602-Lodge

Salvation Army; Midland, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Midland, TX is seeking a dedicated cook to prepare nutritious meals for a large group. You will plan menus, cook, serve, and ensure food safety and quality in a busy kitchen.

You will lead kitchen helpers, maintain supplies, and assist with ordering. The role requires a high school diploma or GED, at least two years cooking for large groups, and a Food Handler’s Certificate.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of proper cooking methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of meal planning techniques.
• Knowledge of effective cleaning and sanitizing practices including proper safety precautions.
• Knowledge of acceptable food storage and cleaning techniques.
• Ability to cook nutritional, tasteful and safe food for large groups in a timely manner.
• Ability to properly clean kitchen appliances and utensils.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Plan menus and prepare a variety of foods and beverages.
• Cook and serve meals to meet schedules and portions.
• Lead and train staff or volunteers as needed.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and safety; monitor inventory and orders.
• Assist with food purchases and driving for orders if required.
• Ensure hygiene and health regulations are followed.

Skills

Cooking methods

Meal planning

Cleaning & sanitation

Food storage & handling

Independent work

Follow instructions

Education

High school diploma or GED

2 years cooking for large groups

Equivalent combination of training/experience

Food Handler’s Certificate

Valid State Driver's License

Tools

None

Job description

Posted Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 4:00 AM

JobSummary

Cooks and serves nutritional meals and snacks in accordance with established guidelines and schedules; ensures all meals are prepared and served in a safe and presentable manner; cleans kitchen facilities, equipment and appliances; maintains inventory of kitchen supplies and food in a neat and orderly manner. Assigns, instructs and monitors work of Cooks and Kitchen Assistants.

EssentialFunctions

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.

Acts as a lead worker to staff and/or volunteers; may assign some daily duties of staff; trains and instructs employees in the proper methods and procedures; informs supervisor of any issues as they arise.

FoodCooking and Serving Responsibilities (45%)

Plans menus, cleans, cooks, and prepares a variety of foods and beverages utilizing kitchen equipment, utensils and supplies in accordance with acceptable and economical cooking methods.

Ensure that enough food is prepared based on the number of people to be served and that food is prepared in a timely manner as scheduled.

Serves food and beverages in a presentable manner; prepares meals for persons requiring special assistance.

Maintains proper supply and orderliness of kitchen stock inventory in order to meet the needs of the kitchen; assists supervisor with making orders and food purchases; may drive to pick up orders.

Prepares snacks and prepares plates of food for people eating after normal serving hours.

Sets tables with plates, napkins and utensils or sets up buffet line for self-service.

Assists in serving meals ensuring appropriate portions are provided.

Drives to transport and/or pick up food and supplies for catering.

Clean tables, chairs, floors, dishes, utensils and kitchen appliances.

Maintains a high degree of cleanliness in the kitchen and dining room; ensures that all meals are prepared in a safe manner; ensures all kitchen personnel practice proper personal hygiene; ensures compliance with health regulations.

Receives and stocks foods, beverages, and supplies in an orderly and safe manner.

Stores, refrigerates and freezes foods in a safe and economical manner; monitors expiration dates on all foods ensuring proper disposal of food with expired dates.

Washes, dries, and stores pots, pans, plates, glasses, cups, bowls, and utensils.

Sweeps and mops kitchen and vacuum dining room floors; empties trash cans.

Cleans refrigerators, freezers, ice machines, coffee makers, stoves, and ovens.

OtherResponsibilities

Performs other duties as assigned.

Materialsand Equipment

Knowledge,Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of proper cooking methods and procedures.

Knowledge of meal planning techniques.

Knowledge of effective cleaning and sanitizing practices including proper safety precautions.

Knowledge of acceptable food storage and cleaning techniques.

Ability to cook nutritional, tasteful and safe food for large groups in a timely manner.

Ability to properly clean kitchen appliances and utensils.

Ability to follow instructions and work independently.

MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Educationand Experience

High school diploma or G.E.D.

And

Two years experience cooking food for large groups,

or

Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Certifications

Food Handler’s Certificate (or ability to obtain within established timeframe)

Valid State Drivers License

PhysicalRequirements

Ability to meet attendance requirements.

Ability to read, write, and communicate the English language effectively.

Ability to cook, taste and smell food.

Ability to perform continuous walking, stooping, standing, and some climbing.

Duties are performed standing and requires squatting, climbing, bending and walking. Any of the preceding duties may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of sitting.

Extensive amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light to moderately heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.).

WorkingConditions

Work will normally be performed in a kitchen environment where there are physical discomforts associated with changes in temperature associated with cooking and the kitchen environment.

We appreciate your interest in employment opportunities with The Salvation Army!