Prep Cook

Blackcapvermont; Waterbury, Northern (VT, KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO and paid sick time

Health and vision insurance for full‑t

Invest EAP for employees and household

Paid breaks and shift meals

Free coffee during shifts

Employee discounts on food and Black C

Job summary

Black Cap is hiring a Prep Cook in Waterbury, VT. This full-time, year-round role averages 30–40 hours per week with a 7:00 AM start on Fridays through Tuesdays, and part-time options considered. Compensation is $22–$23 per hour, with a share of tips and fees, plus benefits.

Work primarily in Waterbury with occasional availability for the other location. Responsibilities include assisting in food preparation, handling deliveries, preparing ingredients, maintaining sanitation, and supporting

Qualifications

• Must have ServeSafe Food Handler Safety Certification or be willing to obtain after hire.
• Strong skills in communication, attention to detail and sense of urgency.
• Ability to work in a fast paced kitchen and follow procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the creation of food offerings.
• Accept deliveries, portion items for production schedules.
• Pull ingredients for pre-made sandwiches and ensure proper storage.
• Prepare smoothie ingredients and seasonings when possible.
• Perform cleaning duties and maintain sanitation standards.
• Report equipment or maintenance issues to management.
• Slice and portion products to support production schedules.
• Cook eggs and prepare items like caramelized onions and produce.

Skills

Food preparation

Sanitation

Attention to detail

Communication

Time management

Teamwork

Education

ServeSafe Food Handler Safety Certification

Job description

Description

The Prep Cook supports daily kitchen operations by preparing ingredients, maintaining food quality and safety standards, and ensuring production needs are met efficiently. This role is essential to delivering consistent, high-quality food offerings while contributing to a collaborative and well-organized kitchen environment.

Compensation for this position is $22-$23/hour (=$19-20/hr base rate + $3/hr in share of tips & fees).

This is a full-time, year-round position averaging 30 to 40 hours per week, scheduled Fridays through Tuesdays beginning at 7AM. Part-time applicants will also be considered.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist in the creation of food offerings
• Accept deliveries, slices and portions out appropriately in support of production schedules
• Pull ingredients such as spreads, meats, cheeses, and breads for pre made sandwich preparation and assure that items are properly stored
• Prepare smoothie ingredients, time permitting
• Prepare seasonings
• Perform assigned cleaning duties, typically scheduled daily, weekly, and monthly
• Follow all health codes and maintains exceptional sanitation standards
• Report all equipment and maintenance problems to the Head Baker, Assistant Baker, and Operations Director
• Slice and portion out product appropriately in support of production schedules
• Cook eggs and prepare products such as caramelized onions, wash and prepare produce.
• Prepare overnight oats and parfaits for following day
• Assist bakers, time permitting
• Communicate ingredient inventory needs
• Restock prep cooler & dry storage daily

Requirements

Expectations

• Start work by 7AM on scheduled work days; work Friday-Tuesdays
• Both weekend days required
• Work primarily in one location (Waterbury) but have availability and reliable transportation to work in the other location as needed
• Follow processes and procedures recorded in Employee Handbook
• Take direction from managers and assist where needed
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Report to work in proper uniform, abiding by the dress code:
  • Black Cap T-Shirt
  • Hair pulled back and covered with a hat, headband, or bandana
  • Closed-toed shoes
  • Pants (no sweatpants)
  • Hands must be free of jewelry and nail polish
  • Nails must be kept short and clean

Physical Job Requirements

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs up and down the stairs multiple times per day
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs off the ground from a squatting position
• Must be able to frequently squat, bend at the waist, and twist from the waist while carrying heavy, large objects up to 50 lbs
• Must be able to stand on your feet for up to 8 hours at a time

Required Skills & Experience

• ServeSafe Food Handler Safety Certification will be provided by Black Cap after hire
• Must have strong skills in: Communication, attention to detail/consistency, sense of urgency, prioritization, professionalism, adaptability
• Must be timely and attentive to work
• Must have a growth mindset and respond constructively to feedback

Black Out Dates

It is important for all employees to be available during peak holiday times. All employees will be expected to work:

• Foliage season (September 20th- October 20th)
• December holiday season (December 26th – January 2nd)
• Presidents’ Day week
• Martin Luther King weekend
• Various summer holidays/events as deemed necessary by management

What We Offer

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid sick time
• Health and vision insurance options for full-time employees
• Invest EAP (Employee Assistance Program) for employees and household members
• Paid breaks and shift meal
• Free coffee drinks during shifts
• Employee discounts on food, beverages, and Black Cap merchandise
• Holiday pay on select holidays
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid childbirth recovery leave for full-time employees after one year of employment