Assistant Cook-East High School -10mths/37.5hrs

The hiring organization is Monroe County Government, a reputable public sector employer dedicated to serving the community with excellence. Monroe County Government operates various institutions including schools, hospitals, and other public service facilities where food service plays a critical role in supporting the daily needs of students, faculty, patients, and local patrons. This specific position is an entry-level Assistant Cook role positioned within either institutional cafeterias or school dining facilities, emphasizing both educational and healthcare environments. The position is based on a full-time or part-time employment basis, depending on institutional needs, and includes responsibility for supporting the preparation and service of large-scale meals. The Assistant Cook works closely under the supervision of a Cook, Cook Manager, Supervising Cook, or Dietitian depending on the setting, providing essential support in food preparation and kitchen operations. This role demands attention to safety, hygiene, and nutrition principles vital to maintaining proper food service standards across diverse environments including hospitals, schools, and community cafeterias.

The Assistant Cook position involves a broad range of duties from preparing hot and cold food items to portioning and serving them safely and efficiently. The role plays an essential part in assisting with meal preparation, including main entrees, soups, gravies, sauces, dressings, sandwiches, salads, vegetables, and even baked goods on occasion. It requires operating kitchen equipment such as steam kettles and slicers with careful adherence to safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure food quality. The role also includes responsibility for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in both kitchen equipment and food preparation areas. The Assistant Cook gets involved in managing inventory and recording food supplies, assisting supervisory personnel in stocktaking. Furthermore, this position can entail task delegation to food service employees, especially when stepping in for the Cook during their absences, implying leadership and communication skills are essential. Individuals employed in this role often interact directly with various stakeholders including students, faculty, patients, and diners, which calls for strong interpersonal skills and dependability.

This role requires knowledge of food preparation and cooking methods suitable for large-scale consumption, balanced nutrition principles, safe usage of kitchen appliances, and sanitation practices. The Assistant Cook is expected to follow recipes and directions reliably, handle food items with proper hygiene, and contribute to creating a safe and effective food service environment. It is a demanding role physically, requiring stamina and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Employment in positions involving direct contact with students requires a clearance for employment from the State Education Department as mandated by local laws, ensuring the safety and security of school environments. Additionally, passing a pre-employment drug test may be required, depending on the position’s duties. Candidates with either a recognized certificate in Food Service Administration focusing on Food Production or demonstrated one year of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in large-scale food preparation are considered eligible for this role. Given its community-centered service environment and comprehensive care responsibilities, this job offers a meaningful opportunity for those interested in starting a career in food service within public institutions.