"Assistant Cook"

Job Description

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Prepares and cooks menu items according to proper preparation methods in small batches and/or as required by business needs.
• Tastes and evaluates all food before service to ensure food quality standards are met, consults manager with any concerns.
• Reads and follows standardized recipes.
• Fries, grills, sautés, roasts, bakes, braises and steams food products as needed.
• Heats soups, sauces and prepared products ensuring product has reached appropriate temperature before serving.
• Carves or slices meat for service both in back-of-house setting and at carving stations in front-of-house setting when necessary.
• Assists in the preparation and presentation of catered functions.
• Cools, refrigerates, labels and properly stores food according to HACCP procedures.
• Knowledgeable in use of all standard kitchen equipment.
• Demonstrates a “Clean as you go” philosophy maintaining sanitary and organized work space and equipment.
• Leaves work station clean and re-stocked.
• Accurately records portion amount of food used during meals on service records.
• Accurately measures food temperatures.
• Recycles products per policy and procedure.
• Accurately fills out sanitation and temperature logs and food service records as required. Informs person in charge when corrective action is needed.
• Follows sanitation standards in compliance with all regulatory agencies including Harvard Environmental Health and Safety regulations.
• Complies with State of Massachusetts and Dining Services’ “Food Employee Illness Policy”.
• Communicates effectively and works cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management team and guests.
• Represents HUDS to students, faculty, staff and guests in a positive and professional manner.
• Works to meet the mission and core values of Harvard University Dining Services with enthusiasm and a spirit of cooperation.
• Attends trainings as assigned.
• Maintains current certifications as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to routinely lift 50 lbs. without restrictions.
• Continuous: standing, manual dexterity, reaching, walking, lifting, handling.
• Frequent: push/pull, bending.
• Occasional: climbing, squatting, sitting.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must have proficiency with the English language (speaking, reading and writing).
• Minimum three years of relevant food preparation experience in hospitality industry.
• Must have culinary ability to execute recipes with the technical understanding of all cooking methods.
• Must have basic math skills and ability to analyze digital and analog thermometers, scales, and other measuring devices.
• Must have proficiency with kitchen tools and equipment without restrictions.
• Must have relevant knife skills.
• Must be able to follow directions.
• Must be neat in appearance and comply with proper dress code as designated by HUDS.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have strong multi-tasking skills.
• Must have excellent communication skills.
• Must be able to work cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management and guests.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced diverse environment.
• Must be customer service oriented.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• ServSafe certification within first year of employment.
• Previous experience in a University environment preferred.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday 11:00am - 3:00pm.
• Compensation Range/Rate: $28.09 - $29.83.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Drug Test.
• Emergency Status Designation: Essential.