Job Details

Position Purpose:

The Prep Cook is a fundamental part of our kitchen team, responsible for preparing ingredients, organizing workstations, and maintaining cleanliness and sanitation. This role supports the kitchen in delivering high-quality dishes efficiently and consistently.

Essential Duties:

• Follow the prep list provided by the Campus Dining Manager or Kitchen Lead, completing tasks in the specified order to ensure a smooth workflow.
• Wash, chop, and sort ingredients including fruits, vegetables, and meats, ensuring they are ready for cooking.
• Accurately measure and mix ingredients, maintaining consistency with recipes and portion sizes.
• Label and stock all ingredients on easily accessible shelves, ensuring proper storage to maintain freshness and prevent cross-contamination.
• Clean dishes, wash cooking utensils and cookware, and dispose of trash regularly to maintain a tidy and sanitary kitchen environment.
• Thoroughly sanitize surfaces, tools, and equipment, adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Keep a clean and organized workstation, ensuring all necessary tools and ingredients are readily available for the cooking staff.
• Prepare simple dishes such as salads, sandwiches, and appetizers
• Assist cooks with the preparation of more complex recipes, providing necessary support to ensure timely and high-quality food service.
• Ensure all food items are prepared according to recipe specifications and presentation standards, maintaining consistency and quality.
• Monitor and maintain ingredient inventory, notifying kitchen and management staff when supplies need to be reordered.
• Ensure efficient use of ingredients to minimize waste and control costs, implementing first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory practices.
• Adhere to all nutrition and sanitary regulations and standards, always ensuring food safety and quality.
• Safely operate all kitchen equipment, including knives, slicers, mixers, and ovens, following operational and safety guidelines.
• Comply with health and safety guidelines, including wearing appropriate protective gear and practicing safe food handling techniques to prevent accidents and contamination.
• Be flexible with working hours, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required to meet the needs of the kitchen.
• Be available for extra hours during conferences, special events, and peak times to accommodate increased demand.
• Perform other kitchen duties as assigned by the Campus Dining Manager or Lead Cooks, contributing to a team-oriented and collaborative work environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with the Head Chef, kitchen staff, and other team members, ensuring clear and efficient collaboration.
• Superior hand-eye coordination and dexterity for safe and efficient use of cutting tools and kitchen equipment.
• Understanding of basic and advanced cooking and preparation techniques, with a keen interest in culinary arts.
• In-depth knowledge of safe and sanitary food handling, preparation practices, and storage techniques to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.
• Strong basic math skills for measuring ingredients accurately, calculating portions, and adjusting recipes as needed.
• Must be able to operate a Windows-based computer and navigate Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks, maintain a clean workstation, and ensure a smooth workflow in a busy kitchen environment.
• Effective time management skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain efficiency in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring all duties are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Adaptability to changing schedules and the ability to work extra hours during busy periods such as conferences or special events.
• Physical capability to lift up to 25 pounds, perform tasks that involve bending, reaching, and standing for extended periods, and withstand the demands of a busy kitchen.