Cook 1

The City of Hartford, located in Hartford County, Connecticut, is recognized as the state capital and the insurance capital of the world. With a rich history dating back nearly 400 years, Hartford has evolved into a vibrant metropolitan area that embraces a blend of cultural heritage and modern development. The city boasts numerous attractions such as the nation’s oldest public art museum, the Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest public park, Bushnell Park, and the oldest continuously published newspaper, The Hartford Courant. Hartford continues to develop and attract new residential and commercial projects with a focus on revitalizing its downtown area to foster growth and innovation. The municipality is committed to providing essential public services and creating employment opportunities that contribute to the community’s well-being and development.

The Department of Families, Children, and Youth within the City of Hartford is currently seeking a dedicated and skilled Cook 1. This position operates under general supervision and is pivotal in preparing and cooking large-scale meals for various City programs, including but not limited to the Early Learning Centers. The role demands strict adherence to hygiene, safety, and regulatory standards while maintaining efficient kitchen operations. The Cook 1 is responsible for preparing a variety of meals and snacks aligned with specific menu plans, including those catering to special dietary needs. This involves close collaboration with management, supervisors, and city staff to assist in creating and implementing nutritionally balanced meal plans.

Key responsibilities include timely serving of meals and snacks in compliance with federal and state safety and sanitation guidelines, ordering food and supplies to maintain optimal inventory levels while minimizing waste, and ensuring the kitchen environment remains clean, organized, and safe. Additional duties may involve shopping for supplies, delivering food to other City locations, training staff on kitchen operations, and maintaining accurate records and equipment maintenance logs. The role requires flexibility in working hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet program needs.

This is a 1716 Union Position with full-time employment status at 40 hours per week. It is grant-funded and subject to annual renewal, with no obligation for continued funding upon grant termination. The salary range for this position is $38,961 to $44,811 annually. Successful candidates must demonstrate knowledge in food preparation and cooking techniques, food safety, sanitation practices, nutritional values, and standard kitchen equipment usage. The position also demands the ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately, perform job-related mathematical operations, establish effective working relationships, interact with diverse populations, and maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.

Physical demands include the ability to lift objects up to 40 pounds, work efficiently around hot and cold kitchen environments, and travel between sites as needed. A high school diploma or GED and one year of experience in food preparation and cooking in a public-serving kitchen are required. Certifications such as a Certified Food Handler and Certified Food Protection Manager from an ANSI-CFP accredited program (e.g., ServSafe) must be obtained and maintained. A valid driver’s license is mandatory as is passing a physical exam, drug and alcohol screening, and background check. The City of Hartford encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations during the hiring process. Hartford residency is preferred but not required. Overall, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to community wellness through the preparation and delivery of nutritious meals within a supportive urban municipal environment.