Lead Cook_NE-TX_602-Lodge

The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory•Midland, TX

89d

About The Position

The Lead Cook prepares and serves nutritional meals and snacks according to established guidelines and schedules, ensuring food is safe and presentable. The position cleans kitchen facilities, equipment, and appliances; keeps food and kitchen supplies orderly and stocked; and assigns, instructs, and monitors the work of Cooks and Kitchen Assistants. The role may also lead staff or volunteers, assign daily duties, train employees, and inform a supervisor of issues. The Lead Cook plans menus and prepares a variety of foods and beverages using kitchen equipment and economical cooking methods. The position estimates food quantities for the number of people served, prepares meals on schedule, serves appropriate portions, accommodates people requiring special assistance, and prepares snacks or plates for people eating after normal serving hours. It maintains kitchen inventory, assists with food orders and purchases, and may drive to collect food or supplies. The role also maintains a clean and sanitary kitchen and dining room, follows food-safety and health regulations, receives and stores supplies safely, monitors expiration dates, and disposes of expired food. Duties include washing and storing dishes and cookware, cleaning appliances and surfaces, sweeping and mopping kitchen floors, vacuuming dining-room floors, and emptying trash. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of experience cooking food for large groups, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Food Handler’s Certificate, or ability to obtain one within the established timeframe.
Valid state driver’s license.
Knowledge of proper cooking methods and procedures, meal planning techniques, effective cleaning and sanitizing practices including safety precautions, and acceptable food storage and cleaning techniques.
Ability to cook nutritional, tasteful, and safe food for large groups in a timely manner.
Ability to properly clean kitchen appliances and utensils.
Ability to follow instructions and work independently.
Ability to meet attendance requirements.
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
Ability to cook, taste, and smell food.
Ability to perform continuous walking, stooping, and standing, and some climbing; duties also require squatting, bending, and walking, with only brief or occasional periods of sitting.
Ability to perform extensive physical effort involving walking, standing, lifting, and carrying light to moderately heavy objects up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Assign, instruct, and monitor the work of Cooks and Kitchen Assistants; lead staff and/or volunteers, assign some daily duties, train employees, and notify the supervisor of issues.
Plan menus and clean, cook, and prepare a variety of foods and beverages using appropriate and economical cooking methods.
Prepare sufficient food for the number of people to be served and complete meal preparation on schedule.
Serve food and beverages presentably, provide appropriate portions, and prepare meals for people requiring special assistance.
Maintain kitchen stock inventory and orderliness; assist the supervisor with orders and food purchases.
Prepare snacks and plates of food for people eating after normal serving hours.
Set tables or arrange buffet lines for self-service.
Drive to transport or pick up food and supplies, including for catering.
Maintain cleanliness and food safety in the kitchen and dining room, ensure kitchen personnel practice proper hygiene, and comply with health regulations.
Receive and stock food, beverages, and supplies safely and orderly; store, refrigerate, and freeze food appropriately; monitor expiration dates and dispose of expired food.
Wash, dry, and store cookware, dishes, glasses, cups, bowls, and utensils.
Clean tables, chairs, floors, kitchen appliances, and equipment; sweep and mop kitchen floors, vacuum dining-room floors, and empty trash cans.
Perform other duties as assigned.