Meal Production Cook

Position Title: Meal Production Cook
Department:  | Reports to: Kitchen | Meal Production Manager
Classification:  | Level:

About Central Texas Food Bank
Looking for a way to make a difference without sacrificing a competitive salary and excellent benefits? Apply to join the Central Texas Food Bank team! We’re looking for highly-motivated people to bring their unique skills to our mission of nourishing our neighbors and leading our community in the fight against hunger. As the region’s largest hunger relief charity, the Food Bank offers a diverse and inclusive workplace, professional development opportunities, and a culture of promoting from within. Our core values, Compassion, Honesty, Accountability, Respect and Teamwork, chart our course.

Position Overview

• Responsible for food preparation according to program guidelines
• Responsible for cleanliness and organization of kitchen
• Orienting and directing volunteers
• Guiding culinary externs and Dietetic interns for any food preparation, cleaning or other kitchen tasks.
• Being a good steward of the mission and work we do in the kitchen and Food Bank overall.
• Reporting to the Meal Production Manager, this position is highly visible internally and externally and requires manual labor as well as solid relationship management skills.

Relationships

• Instruct and engage Culinary Trainees and volunteers when so delegated.
• Lead and support volunteers in daily tasks as needed.

Your Qualifications

• HS diploma or equivalent.

• 3 years food service experience in high production kitchen.
• Quality knife skills and fundamental cooking techniques, especially in batch cooking.
• Have a sense of urgency and attention to detail.
• Food Manager’s Certification required, (NRAEF ServSafe or Austin/Travis County recognized program) or willingness to complete this within 15 days of hire date.
• Ability to work effectively with food bank staff, volunteers and vendors with a commitment and desire to go the extra mile to make the Food Bank kitchen program a benchmark program for food safety, quality and innovation.

• Belief in CTFB’s mission, vision, values and culture
• Display a willingness and desire to work with people from diverse ethnic, socioeconomic and religious backgrounds. 
• Display a commitment to service above all else.

Your Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snack) according to USDA and TDA regulations for CACFP, SFSP and National School Lunch, School Breakfast and After School Snack programs.
• Assist with production of additional meals/meal programs according to production plans for meal size and quantity.
• Adhere to planned menu for the purpose of conserving food costs, meeting program guidelines and ensuring high quality meals and food safety.
• Assure that documentation is maintained for meals including production records, label database and any other information needed for proper documentation.
• Work with the Meal Production Manager to ensure that meals are prepared, portioned, packaged and labeled accurately.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment, tools, worktables and environment are maintained in a clean and sanitary state according to local and state Health Standards using the “clean as you go” policy and that all cleaning is documented.

• Ensure the kitchen maintains a clean, safe and orderly environment by reporting needs for Facilities Work Orders to supervisor.

• Monitor regular inventory (chemicals, food, etc.) and notify supervisor when par levels are down and orders need to be placed.
• Ensure adequate freezer inventory and FIFO.
• Follow procedures for waste management including recycling policies and procedures.
• Ensure all refrigerated equipment is properly logged & monitored reporting any deficiencies to Meal Production Manager.
• Assist with preparing Catering Events (as needed) for internal and external events and fundraisers.

• Assist in the preparation of reports, data gathering, and completion of goals, metrics and deadlines.
• Commit to supporting CTFB’s mission, vision, values, and culture.
• Perform additional duties as necessary and/or requested.

Working Conditions

• Hours of Operation: 7 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday or 10 am – 6 pm. Occasional evenings/weekends based on event needs.
• Environment: cooking, cleaning and packing of meals requires standing for long periods and in various temperature (hot cooking to freezer).
• Travel: Very unlikely a need for travel. CTFB serves 21 counties in central Texas and often requires same-day travel between counties, using a personal vehicle, CTFB passenger fleet and possibly occasional out of town travel for meetings, special events or meeting for some positions.
• OSHA Standards - Lifting requirements are 50 pounds and when lifting loads heavier than 50 pounds, use two or more people to lift the load.

Comprehensive Benefits            
We are committed to service, above all else, in our community and for our team members.  With our commitment to the health and wellness of our team members, we provide a full benefits package to include the following:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans,
• company paid short and long term disability insurance plus employee life insurance,
• 403b retirement plan plus up to 5% matching contribution after one year of service,
• telemedicine for physical and mental health, 
• employee assistance program,
• paid time off including paid holidays,
• outdoor seating area with a garden view, and an
• on-site gym with a shower.

In addition, Central Texas Food Bank is designated a Texas Mother-Friendly Workplace AND a Best Place for Working Parents. Grow your career, build your network and develop your talents while enjoying the flexibility of a family-friendly environment.