Cook's Assistant

Smith College•College Place, WA

7d•$25•Onsite

About The Position

Assist with all food preparation and service during assigned shifts. Work cooperatively in a safe and sanitary manner with other staff members to ensure the efficient and professional operation of the unit in according with work rules and departmental policies. Strive for a dining atmosphere which is cordial and accommodating for all students and guests under the guidance of the chef or cook on duty and direction of the area manager. Clean all dining service areas and equipment as delegated or in concert with team members. Assume dining room coordinator’s duties during key periods of service. Respond with flexibility to change in work location when the operational needs of the department so required.

Requirements

Completion of high school education or vocational school education and a minimum 1 year of combined educational and/or commercial experience in quantity cookery which includes baking.
Requirements of the position are consistent with the responsibilities and duties of persons within the food service profession in adherence with all state and federal guidelines.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and perform basic arithmetic functions.
Current state approved sanitation certificate is required.
Ability to tolerate exposure to water and cleaning chemicals, higher than normal noise levels, and heat and humidity consistent with that produced by commercial kitchen equipment.
Must demonstrate adequate physical strength and coordination to effectively prepare, clean and receive supplies while properly utilizing standard food service utensils and equipment.
Must be able to safely lift and move 50 pounds, work from a step stool, walk and stand for prolonged periods of time, bend, reach, pull and push.
Must be able to manipulate utensils and equipment repetitively for variable periods of time - up to 65% of an assigned shift.
Must be mobile between work stations and other campus food service areas.
Must possess good vision with or without correction.
Must possess the sensory ability to taste/smell.
Must practice good personal hygiene and wear clean uniforms in compliance with public health standards and consistent with college policy.
Must adhere to the sustainability initiatives set by the department.
Must possess basic computer skills including receiving and sending emails.

Nice To Haves

Culinary arts degree or equivalent training preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the cooks, and assume the duties of the Kitchen Assistant in their absences.
Prepare, cook, garnish, and present all menu items in a superior manner in accordance with dining service standards and recipes. These include, but are not limited to breakfast items, soups, entrees including meats, sauces, vegetables, salads, dressings, breads, desserts, and meal alternatives as well as dietary accommodations and display cooking.
Clean and sanitize all dining service areas and equipment including routine floor maintenance on each shift.
Support and maintain proper sanitation and recycling procedure.
Perform duties of dining room coordinator as needed, including use of the dining access system and all other related tasks.
Assist in receiving: check in product, inspect, weigh/count and properly store all food and supplies.
Assist chef in accurately inventorying storage areas.
Work with other members of kitchen staff to orderly assemble production records, transfers, and meal counts for data entry.
Communicate with all people accurately, professionally and in a timely manner, including proper labeling and dating all prepared foods.
Work cooperatively with the area manager, staff, and students to ensure an orderly and efficient operation.
Responsible for reviewing all department notices.
Utilize email and all college computer access responsibly.
Attend departmental meetings and training workshops as requested.
Participate in the preparation for and service of special events.
Complete required payroll forms and scheduling forms within deadlines.
Perform all other related or relevant tasks.
Initiate teamwork, collaboration, and cooperation between co-workers.