Line Cook

GATEWAY HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

GATEWAY HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER in Ames, Iowa is seeking a professional line cook to prepare menu items for the Iowa Stater Restaurant. The successful candidate will work under the Executive Chef to ensure high standards of food quality and cleanliness. Responsibilities include setting up food stations, cooking various menu items, and maintaining a sanitized work environment. Ideal candidates will possess a high school diploma or GED, and ideally have one year of experience in a similar role. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year experience in a hotel, restaurant, or similar venue.
• Must be able to squat, lift, and push 50 lbs.
• Excellent understanding of cooking methods and kitchen equipment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and stock stations with supplies.
• Prepare food, including cutting vegetables and fabricating meat.
• Cook menu items as per recipes and management direction.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Ensure product quality and labeling meets standards.

Skills

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Cooking methods

Sanitation techniques

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

The Gateway Hotel & Conference Center is looking for a professional line cook to prepare menu items for the Iowa Stater Restaurant to the exacting standards and specifications set forth by the Executive Chef. The successful candidate will report directly to the Executive Sous and/or Sous Chef to help fulfill our mission to enthusiastically deliver first class hospitality that exceeds guest expectations.

Responsibilities

• Set up and stock stations with necessary supplies, which include all food and food related products, equipment, utensils, towels, sanitation pail, etc.
• Prepare food for service which includes cutting of vegetables, fabricating meat, fish & poultry items, soups, sauces, slicing deli meats and other items as assigned and necessary for the successful completion of service.
• Cook menu items in accordance to the recipes and the direction of the kitchen management team.
• Maintain an organized (mise en place), clean & sanitary work area. Follow the "clean as you go" philosophy.
• Ensure all products are properly labeled, dated and rotated (FIFO) in accordance with Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.
• Assess food items daily to ensure they meet quality standards set forth by the Executive Chef, discarding product that does not meet these standards, and bringing questionable items to the attention of the kitchen management team for their input.
• Follow established documentation procedures: (Cooling temperature log, waste log, product need list, etc.).
• Ensure ticket times are kept to a minimum (15 minutes) and the timing of execution produces food items minimally held on the expediting line (the pass).
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude and demeanor consistent with the Gateway Values.
• Demonstrate the attributes set forth in our Values: Honesty, Integrity, Enthusiastic, Positive Attitude, TEAMWORK, Caring for the Guest and Each Other, Professionalism, Sharing & Transparency – the good and the bad, Treat each other with Respect & Dignity, Always Learning, Work towards continuous improvement, Celebrate Cultural & Individual Diversity, HAVE FUN at Work!
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum one (1) year experience in a hotel, restaurant or similar venue.
• Weekend availability and flexibility is necessary.
• Must be able to squat, lift and push 50 lbs.
• Excellent verbal communication and organizational skills.
• Must be able to execute assigned tasks in an accurate and timely manner (sense of urgency).
• Excellent understanding of the various cooking methods used in a professional kitchen, ingredients commonly used in a kitchen and kitchen equipment.
• Knowledge of basic sanitation techniques.

Preferred

• Culinary degree or current enrollment in a culinary program.
• ServSafe (or equivalent) Food Handler or Food Manager Certification.