Second Cook

Yora Nordic Spa • Portland, CT

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Second Cook will join Yora Nordic Spa’s founding Kitchen team and help prepare fresh, nourishing, thoughtfully presented food for the spa’s first guests. The position is expected to start between mid- and late November 2026, ahead of the spa’s anticipated opening in December 2026. Working alongside the Sous Chef, First Cooks and other culinary team members, the Second Cook prepares food according to established recipes and production standards while developing culinary skills and versatility across the Kitchen.

This is a full-time, on-site position with shifts scheduled according to business and operational needs. The role requires flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays, with additional flexibility during pre-opening and opening periods. It is a physically active job in a fast-paced commercial kitchen, with exposure to typical kitchen equipment, temperatures, surfaces, noise, cleaning products and food allergens. Essential duties must be performed safely, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

• Previous culinary experience in a restaurant, hotel, resort, cafe or similar food-service environment is preferred.
• Basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen organization and food safety.
• Ability to follow standardized recipes and production instructions accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food quality and cleanliness.
• Ability to work efficiently and remain organized in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Willingness to learn, receive feedback and develop culinary skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively as part of a culinary team.
• Appropriate food-safety certification, or willingness to obtain it within the required timeframe.
• Ability to perform the essential functions safely, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Culinary education, apprenticeship or equivalent practical experience is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Prepare assigned menu items accurately and consistently according to approved recipes and production standards.
• Follow established portions, preparation methods and presentation requirements.
• Complete assigned preparation and production within established timelines.
• Maintain food quality during preparation and service, raising concerns before food reaches guests.
• Support dietary requirements and allergen procedures accurately and carefully.
• Maintain proper food storage, labeling, rotation, temperature control and sanitation.
• Use FIFO and established inventory-rotation practices to reduce spoilage and loss.
• Keep the workstation clean, organized, stocked and safe.
• Use kitchen tools and equipment correctly and promptly report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Complete assigned opening, production, cleaning and closing responsibilities.
• Maintain consistency and organization during high-volume preparation and service.
• Work collaboratively with the Sous Chef, First Cooks and other culinary team members.
• Participate in training, seek feedback and apply coaching in daily work.
• Follow recipe yields and portion standards and minimize waste through responsible preparation and product handling.

Benefits

• Health and wellness benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Employee wellness privileges and discounted experiences at Yora Nordic Spa locations.
• Bistro and retail discounts.
• Learning, growth and development opportunities within a growing wellness brand. Specific plan coverage, eligibility requirements, employee contributions and terms are still being finalized.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed