Kitchen Operations Specialist/Cook Norfolk Regional Center

State of Nebraska•Norfolk, NE

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Norfolk Regional Center is looking for a dependable Kitchen Operations Specialist/Cook to help keep our kitchen running smoothly. This is more than a cooking position—you'll be responsible for preparing meals, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, following food safety standards, and ensuring patients receive nutritious, high-quality meals. We're looking for someone who has experience preparing meals in a restaurant, healthcare, school, correctional, cafeteria, or other commercial kitchen. Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation practices. The ability to stay organized and prioritize multiple tasks. A strong work ethic and dependability. Confidence working independently while maintaining quality and efficiency.

Requirements

Coursework, training and/or experience in food preparation, baking and/or kitchen operations in the food service industry or related field.
Must be 19 years of age.
Able to stand on feet for 4 hours.
Able to lift up to 40 pounds.
Must be able to work weekends and holidays.
Knowledge of commercial and institutional kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and meal production.
Knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and safe food handling practices.
Knowledge of preparation methods for meats, vegetables, soups, salads, baked goods, and special diets.
Knowledge of operation, cleaning, and maintenance of commercial kitchen equipment.
Knowledge of proper storage, organization, and handling of food supplies.
Ability to independently prepare and cook meals while managing daily kitchen responsibilities.
Ability to follow recipes, menus, production schedules, and special diet requirements.
Ability to maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment.
Ability to operate kitchen equipment safely, including sharp, hot, and heavy equipment.
Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently with minimal supervision.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, coworkers, and supervisors.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a healthcare food service team.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in an institutional kitchen environment, such as a hospital, behavioral health facility, long-term care facility, school, correctional facility, or other large-scale food service operation.
Experience independently preparing and cooking meals in a commercial kitchen setting.
Experience with food safety, sanitation practices, special diets, and maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

Prepare, cook, and serve meals, including special diet requirements.
Independently manage daily kitchen operations during assigned shifts.
Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen.
Wash dishes, cookware, and kitchen equipment.
Operate commercial kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
Follow food safety, sanitation, and infection control procedures.
Work as part of a supportive team while confidently handling responsibilities with minimal supervision.