Cook - PT (54030)

YSS•Mason City, IA

8d•$17 - $17

About The Position

YSS is hungry! We're looking for an energetic, dependable, foodie to join our Nutrition Services staff as a part-time Cook for our Mason City location. In this role, you’ll be hands-on in the kitchen, supporting every step of meal prep and service for our program participants. From chopping veggies to dishing up hearty meals, you’ll bring flavor, care, and a sprinkle of creativity to our food service. You’ll help carry out our meal program with everything from menu planning and inventory to organizing workstations, prepping ingredients, and ensuring top-notch cleanliness and safety. Your kitchen will be clean, your meals will be delicious, and your standards will be high. Please know this is not a complete list of the position’s responsibilities. Duties can change.

Requirements

Be able to read a recipe, follow it like a champ, and maybe even make it better.
Have spent at least 2 years in a professional kitchen or similar food service role.
Be a strong communicator—able to clearly share information through conversation, instruction, and written notes.
Know how to manage resources like a pro—whether it’s time, tools, or ten pounds of potatoes.
Work well with other and enjoys being part of a team.

Nice To Haves

A high school diploma or equivalent.
Culinary certifications such as Food Handler, Food Manager, Allergen Awareness, ACF Certified Culinarian, etc.
Professional cooking experience that includes: Prepping hot and cold dishes to impress even the toughest critics Making plates look as good as they taste Using every cooking method under the sun—roasting, sautéing, braising, you name it Comfort with all types of kitchen tools—from sauté pans to stand mixers
An eagerness to learn and grow—and a desire to help others do the same in the kitchen.
A solid understanding of food safety, sanitation, and hygiene, including safe ingredient storage and proper cooking temperatures.
Have a degree or diploma in Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Nutrition & Wellness, or a related field.
Genuinely love to cook—and it shows.
Are dependable and self-motivated—you get things done without someone watching over your shoulder.
Be rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
Bring humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
Speak a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).

Responsibilities

Partner with staff and participants to plan nutritious, tasty meals—your creative input is welcome!
Prepare and cook meals that meet YSS guidelines and participant needs.
Collaborate with participants, staff, and volunteers to cook and serve meals.
Garnish and present dishes that look as good as they taste.
Support meal service and keep an eye on food quality—fresh, fully cooked, and safe.
Keep the kitchen sparkling and organized—appliances, tools, and surfaces included.
Help with clean-up in the kitchen, pantry, and dining areas.
Follow food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols to the letter.
Handle food storage and assist with inventory and supply tracking.
Pitch in with food donations—sorting, picking up, and organizing as needed.
Keep accurate records and support data tracking.
Communicate professionally with staff, participants, and volunteers.
Help train participants in basic kitchen and cooking skills.
Participate in trainings, team meetings, and check-ins when needed.