Prep Cook

FirstService Residential; Daytona Beach (FL); On-site; USD 24,796 - 26,174; Full time

Job summary

Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach is seeking a Prep‑Cook to assist the Executive Chef and Sous Chef with daily kitchen operations, catering, and events. You will help maintain a clean, organized kitchen and train coworkers as needed, ensuring food quality and sanitation in line with federal, state, and local laws.

Responsibilities include participating in catering, prep, and setup, maintaining energy during service, and adhering to safety standards.

Qualifications

• Must have basic kitchen knowledge and willingness to work in various kitchen stations.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.
• Ability to follow safety and sanitation rules and policy standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist Executive Chef and Sous Chef with daily kitchen operations.
• Prepare and set up kitchen for service and catering events.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen area.
• Ensure food quality and safety compliance per regulations.
• Participate in all kitchen positions as needed.
• Follow direction from supervisors and work as part of a team.

Education

High school graduate

Degree from a culinary institute

Serv-Safe certified

Job description

Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach is looking for a Prep‑Cook to join our team!

Purpose

The Prep‑Cook assists the Executive Chef and Sous Chef with the overall dining program and execution of all aspects of the culinary experience for the property, from daily restaurant operations to catering and special events. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean, organized kitchen and providing on‑demand training to co‑workers. The Prep‑Cook supports the Executive Chef and Sous Chef in ensuring food quality and wholesomeness complies with federal, state, and local laws, and adheres to FSR standards and practices.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Possess strong interpersonal skills and interact and communicate successfully with residents and team.
• Keep current with industry concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Work with the Executive Chef and Sous Chef to deliver vibrant menu items.
• Be hands‑on and work in any kitchen position.
• Ensure all safety procedures are followed and the kitchen meets all federal, state, and local health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Exercise a positive attitude and remain professional under all circumstances.
• Have basic cooking technique knowledge: braising, sautéing, roasting, grilling, recipes, ratio, portion controls, and other techniques as determined by the Chef.
• Basic knife handling skills and knowledge of correct use for each knife.

Daily Operations and Customer Experience

• Participate in catering (food and beverage) for functions.
• Actively participate in prep and daily set‑up of kitchen.
• Maintain a high level of energy and passion throughout service hours.
• Strong inventory and production ability, in a timely and efficient manner.
• Understand inventory and product controls within culinary guidelines.
• Comply with all ordinances and regulations per the location’s jurisdiction.
• Work in all service types (a la carte, buffet, etc.).
• Maintain a spotless kitchen at all times and ensure proper hygiene, including clean uniforms, personal grooming, and food handling.

Education

• High school graduate.
• Degree from a culinary institute preferred.
• Serv‑safe certified.

Experience

• Must have 1–3 years of similar or equivalent experience in a similar role.
• Basic cooking experience in a restaurant, hotel, resort, or club.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Must be willing to work nights and weekends.
• Current with culinary and dining trends and styles.
• Follow instructions given by Supervisor.
• Strong communication skills (listening, verbal, and written).
• Organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Problem‑solving skills and common sense.
• Team player but able to work independently.

Food Handling and Sanitation

• Well versed in sanitation and health department regulations (e.g., time & temperatures, cooling procedures, reheating procedures).
• Practice proper hygiene and the “clean as you go” process.
• Understand and use proper sanitation equipment and chemicals (MSDS).
• Obtain a Serve‑Safe food handler certificate within 90 days of hire.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to lift 50+ pounds, kneel, stoop, twist, bend over, and lift, and stand for long periods. Must clean and have working knowledge of each piece of equipment in the operation (e.g., steamer, griddle, fryer, ovens).

Compensation and Work Schedule

• $18.00 – $19.00 per hour
• Open availability required.

Disclaimer

This is not an all‑inclusive job description; therefore, management has the right to assign or reassign schedules, duties, and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) Usage

We may utilize an AEDT in connection with the assessment or evaluation of candidates. The AEDT is designed to assist in objectively evaluating candidate qualifications based on specific job‑related characteristics.

Job Qualifications and Characteristics Assessed

The AEDT evaluates candidates based on job qualifications and characteristics pertinent to the role, including skills, experience, and competencies relevant to the position requirements. These qualifications are determined by the unique needs of each role within our company.

Alternative Selection Process or Reasonable Accommodations

Candidates who require an alternative selection process or a reasonable accommodation, as defined under applicable disability laws, may make a request through our designated contact channel [e-mail].

Requesting Information About the AEDT – NYC Local Law 144

Candidates who reside in New York City and are subject to NYC Local Law 144 may request information about the AEDT, including details on the type of data collected, the sources of such data, and our data retention policies. To submit a request, please contact us at [e-mail]; we will respond in accordance with Local Law 144, within 30 days.