Second Cook
Location:
Amherst, MA
Open Date:
Oct 29, 2018
Description:
Amherst College invites applications for the Second Cook position. The Second Cook is a full time, year round position, job group and level AO-3. The Second Cook - supports the efforts of Amherst College Dining Services by providing the campus community with excellent service while leading the culinary team in production of our menus. The cook assists the Executive Sous Chef by assuming responsibilities of key areas where there is an identified need. This cook must have the ability to work in all culinary areas appropriate to a second cook and throughout all areas of dining services. This position supports a diverse workforce and participates in the College’s efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. This position ensures that the quantity and quality of our production are consistent with our standards and works with all members of the team to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers. This individual produces menu components from fresh and exceptional ingredients and is proficient in the technical skill and knowledge required to achieve this, being well versed in food, its history, and trends.
The work schedule varies and corresponds to the College’s operational needs, but generally is Thursday - Monday 11:00 am-7:30 pm. This position may assist with morning coverage in student dining or assist with catering and campus-wide events. As our work is central to student life, their needs occur at a variety of times throughout the day, week, and year and as such, a flexible schedule with extended shift times is required. In addition, the position is designated as providing essential services and should report to work, or remain on duty even though the College is closed.
Key Responsibilities
Supervision
- Provide operational supervision, both directly and in conjunction with the First Cook, over the daily culinary operations while supporting the culinary team with the planning, production and implementation of menus and systems
- Participate in employee training and development and the assessment of team member performance
- Provide and maintain the tools, information, resources, and support necessary to enable individual and the team’s success
- Coach and Supervise service staff on storage, portioning, and handling of menu items
- Perform regular inspections of Stations and Service areas in support of established standards
- Maintain the accuracy of production schedules and usage reports, communicate deficiencies
- Manage inventory levels and quality; maintain the organization of Production Storage Areas
- Insure that the Culinary operation is secure, organized, safe and clean during production, service and at the close of business
- Maintain a commitment to the quality of our resources and work to prevent loss and eliminate waste
- Promote our standards of quality and service and the safety of our work environment
Preparation
- Ability to perform in any and all line capacities throughout dining services, including knowledge of menu items assigned to those locations
- Support the operational standards and Health Department regulations
- Ensure all areas are maintained in an orderly, clean, and sanitary manner, as well as oversee the complete breakdown and cleaning of all equipment.
- Ensure production of menu items are to standard
- Ensure recipes are followed, uniform production standards are met, and all items are of the highest possible quality
Menus
- Help create, manage, and serve seasonal, fresh menus from exceptional ingredients
- Assist with product and process refinement
- Assist with new product research and development
- Corrects discrepancies in production sheets and recipes
Physical and Environmental Demands
- Frequent exposure to extreme heat and cold, wet and humid environments, sharp tools, machinery, chemicals, grease laden vapors and fumes, and high noise levels
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. and occasionally lift, push, pull, and carry objects over 50 pounds with assistance
- Constant/repetitive motions involving the range of full body use including fingers, arms, knees, hands and wrists
- Bending, squatting and stooping, reaching outward and above head, constant walking and standing, and ascending/descending stair
- Manual dexterity including grasping and manipulating tools/equipment, and adjusting controls
- Close visual concentration including the ability to perceive color, contrast, and depth
- Ability to taste and work with any and all ingredients used
Qualifications:
Required
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Current ServSafe Manager Certification or be able to achieve within (6) months of employment
- Allergen Awareness as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- 2 - 5 years of food preparation experience including hot and cold food production, high volume catering/banquet production, buffet presentation, a’la carte cooking, baking, and pastry
- Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Strong verbal and written communication, customer service, organizational, and time management skills
- Ability to taste and work with any and all ingredients used
- Ability to mathematically reduce and expand measurements required by recipe
- Attention to detail
- Work flexible hours based upon departmental needs including extended shifts
- Commitment to or experience working with a diverse community
- Must successfully complete a pre-employment physical and lift test
Preferred
- Associate’s degree or equivalent in Culinary Arts
- Supervisory experience
Application Instructions:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information (email and/or telephone numbers) for three professional references. Review of applications will continue until position is filled.
ABOUT AMHERST COLLEGE
Amherst College, one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the nation, is located in Amherst, Massachusetts, a town of approximately 35,000 residents in the western part of the state. The college’s community is composed of about 1,800 students from 48 states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and 54 countries around the world, and about 1,000 staff and faculty. The college’s scenic 1,000-acre campus includes a 500-acre wildlife sanctuary and the Book & Plow Farm; three museums: Emily Dickinson Museum, Beneski Museum of Natural History and Mead Art Museum; and multiple educational and cultural venues and resources through the Five College Consortium. The town of Amherst offers an amazing variety of coffee shops, restaurants and entertainment, and a very active outdoor life. Our vibrant campus, diverse community and beautiful surrounding, makes Amherst College and the Town of Amherst the perfect place to work, learn and live!