Standby Senior Cook, Food & Nutrition Services

Standby Senior Cook

The Boston Public Schools and Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) are seeking a Standby Senior Cook who is dependable, flexible, accountable, confident and works well with others. The Standby Senior Cook is a full time position assigned to FNS Central Office. The Standby Senior Cook will be deployed to schools and kitchens on an as needed basis to provide coverage for a vacant Senior Cook or Prep Cook. This is an exciting opportunity for student and food service centered individuals who wish to gain experience in different schools and kitchens across the District. This unique opportunity includes placements in our schools and kitchens that need your help the most. The Standby Senior Cook is responsible for creating a welcoming meal experience for students through the safe preparation, handling, cooking, and service of food in large scale quantities; providing customer service, cleaning the kitchen and associated food service equipment, and assisting with record keeping. A Standby Senior Cook evaluates food for quality, quantity, appearance, temperature and taste. The position requires travel to all neighborhoods in the City of Boston. Location may vary daily.

Performance responsibilities include:

• Performing duties involved in the safe preparation and handling of food, cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and facilities, and serving of food.
• Maintaining knowledge of the standard methods, techniques, safety practices and procedures used in food handling, storage, preparation, cooking and serving.
• Safely preparing food in quantities following standard recipes and established procedures; adjusting recipe yield as needed to produce required amounts.
• Reading and using computer generated standard menus and recipes to prepare meals.
• Evaluating food for quality, quantity, appearance, temperature and taste through observation and tasting in order to determine if it is fresh, properly portioned and prepared correctly.
• Operating kitchen equipment properly and in a safe manner to portion and/or prepare food.
• Transporting food to and from service areas.
• Assisting kitchen personnel in proper portion control, preparation and meal service.
• Setting up the serving line and serving meals.
• Ensuring cleaning and sanitizing of cooking equipment and work areas.
• Completing Production Records, inventory sheets, meal counts and other department paperwork.
• Communicating with Culinary team and Cafeteria manager regarding menu feedback.
• Operating the POS, as needed.
• Providing outstanding customer service to students and other stakeholders.
• Contributing to a positive and inclusive work environment and works as part of a team.
• Attending culinary and food service training.
• Following all policies of the School Committee, FNS Department and instructions of the Cafeteria Manager relating to safety measures, sanitation practices, personnel standards, work techniques, and methods of performing duties.
• Performing duties as assigned by the Cafeteria Manager.
• Performing other related work as required.

Qualifications:

Required:

• At least one year experience in preparation and cooking in an institutional food service setting.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Food Safety Certification for Managers.
• Physical Requirements:
• Standing: 45% of 8-hour day
• Walking: 45% of 8-hour day
• Sitting: 10% of 8-hour day
• Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in and out of extreme temperature environments, including walk-in refrigeration and freezers.
• Current authorization to work in the United States.
• Must have a valid Massachusetts driver's license and access to a vehicle.
• Ability to travel to assigned location(s) as required, in a timely manner.
• Pass a CORI/SORI criminal background check.

Preferred:

• Certificate from a recognized trade, technical or vocational school at high school level or higher, with a focus in culinary arts or food services or food trades.
• Ability to give and follow oral and written direction.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.