Temp Prep Cook

Poultry Science Association; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a temporary non-culinary worker to support kitchen operations. This role involves maintaining cleanliness, assisting in food preparation, and providing excellent customer service. Ideal candidates will have a high school education, experience in food service, and strong interpersonal skills. Join a dynamic team focused on delivering high-quality dining experiences while adhering to health and safety standards. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy working with food, this is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a vital service.

Qualifications

• 1+ years experience in food service preferred.
• Ability to operate kitchen equipment safely.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in food preparation and maintain cleanliness in the kitchen.
• Help serve customers and prepare cafe beverages.
• Follow safety and sanitation standards in food handling.

Skills

Customer Service

Teamwork

Basic Food Preparation

Knife Skills

Cleaning and Sanitation

Education

High School Education or Equivalent

Tools

Kitchen Equipment

Job description

Position Summary:

The temporary non-culinary worker is a support role in Campus Dining’s kitchen and dining operations. Their duties include cleaning, washing cookware, maintaining cleanliness in both front and back-of-house areas, and managing trash disposal. They also assist in basic food preparation, such as washing and cutting meats and vegetables, executing simple recipes, and working as a barista and prep cook. This role focuses on ensuring overall efficiency and cleanliness to provide high-quality food and customer service to guests.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Collect, clean, organize, and store used kitchen items.

Keep both front and back-of-house areas tidy, including floors, walls, ceilings, and trash disposal.

Maintain clean and well-stocked workstations with necessary items.

Help with basic food preparation, such as making smoothies, preparing salads, and serving customers.

Prepare coffee, espresso drinks, and other cafe beverages as a barista.

Assist in the preparation of cold and hot food items as a prep cook

Assist in receiving and stocking orders.

Ensure a clean work area by performing general cleaning tasks like mopping, sweeping, and emptying trash.

Report safety hazards and equipment issues to management.

Cook using simple recipes and practice basic knife skills for cutting meat, poultry, and vegetables.

Follow production guidelines and recipes for food preparation and service.

Maintain correct portions and evaluate food quality through quality control measures.

Cover, date, and store food items properly following safe handling procedures.

Complete production sheets, including waste, temperature, and prepared product logs.

Identify production needs based on recipes and par levels.

Ensure food storage at correct temperatures, following food safety standards, and maintain daily temperature logs.

Set up and break down workstations.

Keep kitchen, refrigerators, and storerooms clean and orderly by cleaning utensils, equipment, fixtures, and work areas.

Understand Vanderbilt Campus Dining Meal Plans and explain guidelines to customers.

Lead by example and adhere to customer service standards.

Adhere to quality, safety, and sanitary standards set by State and City Health Departments and Vanderbilt Campus Dining codes.

This non-culinary dining VTS position is seasonal and temporary.

Qualifications:

High School Education or equivalent preferred

Excellent customer service

Great interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment

Minimum 1 year experience in the food service industry preferred

Minimum 1 year experience a barista and/or prep cook is preferred.

Ability to follow instructions and help with basic food service tasks, as needed

Ability to read documents

Must be able to safely operate all kitchen equipment

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and frequently lift, push, pull, or carry up to 30 lbs.

Ability to walk or stand for extended time periods, up to 6 hours

Involves repetitive motion

Requires frequent lifting/transporting hot food items

Ability to work in all unit and kitchen areas while interacting with heated equipment, steam, chemicals for cleaning, etc.