Café Cook - Flex

This job opportunity is with Patagonia, a globally recognized outdoor apparel company committed to environmental and social responsibility. Known for its dedication to saving our home planet, Patagonia fosters an inclusive culture that values teamwork, flexibility, and service-mindedness. The company operates several campus locations in Reno and Verdi, Nevada, where the Cafe Cook role will be primarily based. Employees at Patagonia benefit from a supportive and positive work environment that encourages growth, self-improvement, and a strong commitment to ecological values. As part of the hospitality and food services field within a retail and corporate campus setting, this position offers a unique chance to contribute not only to excellent food service but also to a brand with a meaningful mission and ethical service standards.

The Cafe Cook position is a part-time, flexible role reporting directly to the Executive Chef, with a pay range from $23.50 to $28.50 per hour, and a hiring rate at $26.50. The scheduled hours are flexible with the requirement to fill in shifts as needed, up to 19 hours per week, and a maximum of 500 hours in a rolling 12-month period. The shifts include day shifts from Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, and swing shifts from Sunday to Thursday, 12:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The role is crucial in maintaining high standards of food quality, cleanliness, and overall customer satisfaction within Patagonia's cafe operations.

As a Cafe Cook, the candidate will be part of a small team focused on preparing breakfast and lunch entrees alongside salad bar and prepared foods. Key responsibilities also include managing inventory, adhering to strict cleanliness and sanitation protocols, and occasionally performing dishwashing and cash register duties. This role requires daily punctuality and attendance, combined with flexibility to work varying shifts as the need arises. The cook must utilize a range of culinary skills including knife work like brunoise, julienne, and dicing, as well as knowledge of cooking techniques such as grilling, braising, sauce thickening, and preparing stocks and dressings. The role also demands travel between various campus locations in Reno and Verdi to pick up and deliver food items using a company vehicle.

The successful candidate will bring a passion for environmental stewardship and a deep commitment to being part of an inclusive and cooperative team culture. Strong interpersonal skills and customer service abilities are essential, as the role involves interacting with guests and coworkers in a respectful and friendly manner. Adaptability to a changing work environment, willingness to assist others, and the ability to follow safety guidelines conscientiously are key personal attributes sought. With experience in high-volume food preparation and dishwashing, the candidate should have a working knowledge of food safety regulations and culinary basics, demonstrating initiative and a growth mindset.

This is a physically demanding role requiring the ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly, stand for long periods, and perform repetitive tasks like bending, chopping, and washing dishes. The working environment may be small and occasionally loud, requiring the ability to maintain focus and efficiency. Employees are expected to uphold Patagonia’s values by contributing to a positive work environment, delivering excellent service, and helping the company achieve its mission to protect the environment through sustainable business practices. Patagonia is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, providing fair consideration to all qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or any protected status under the law.