Cafe Cook - Flex

Patagonia is a renowned outdoor clothing company headquartered in Reno and Verdi, NV, dedicated to environmental sustainability and producing high-quality outdoor apparel. Known globally for its commitment to saving the planet, Patagonia combines business success with a passion for protecting the environment. The company fosters an inclusive workplace culture that values teamwork, flexibility, and mutual respect among employees. Working at Patagonia means being part of a larger mission beyond just a job—helping to conserve the world's natural environment while delivering excellent service and products to customers.

The role of Cafe Cook at Patagonia is a vital position within the company's cafe operations, reporting directly to the Executive Chef. This full-time flex position offers a pay range from $23.50 to $28.50 per hour with a hiring range starting at $26.50, reflecting competitive compensation based on market data for the Reno and Verdi areas. The schedule is flexible, accommodating up to 19 hours per week with a maximum of 500 hours in a rolling 12-month period. Shifts cover morning and afternoon time slots from Monday through Friday and Sunday through Thursday.

As a Cafe Cook, the incumbent works as part of a small, dedicated team responsible for maintaining high standards of efficiency, cleanliness, and food quality within Patagonia’s cafe. Duties include preparation of breakfast and lunch entrees, managing the salad bar and Prepared Foods Case, and supporting inventory management. The Cafe Cook ensures all food handling adheres to local health codes and company standards by accurately rotating and labeling products. Knife skills are important, with familiarity with techniques like brunoise, julienne, and dicing being valued. Knowledge of protein breakdown and portioning, as well as culinary fundamentals such as vegetable stocks, salad dressings, grilling, braising, and sauce thickening, are advantageous.

Additional tasks include some dishwashing and cash register duties, stocking food selling areas, assisting with catering setups, breakdowns, and follow-ups, and using a company vehicle to pick up and deliver food items among various campus locations. This role requires daily punctuality, attendance, and flexibility in hours. The Cook must demonstrate teamwork skills, be service-minded with excellent customer service abilities both in person and over the phone, and consistently maintain clean and organized work and dining spaces. Employees interact respectfully with guests and co-workers and support the collaborative, supportive culture Patagonia promotes.

Patagonia values individuals who are passionate about saving the planet and contributing to an inclusive work environment. Candidates should be adept at handling ambiguity, flexible in dynamic work conditions, and motivated by continuous self-improvement and a growth mindset. A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is required for travel between company locations. The physical demands include the ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly, stand for long periods, bend, lift and chop regularly, wash dishes for extended periods, and work efficiently in sometimes loud, confined spaces.

Joining Patagonia as a Cafe Cook offers not only a job but a chance to be part of a mission-driven company with a culture committed to environmental stewardship, teamwork, and personal growth.