Cook

Bernalillo County is a community-focused government organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents, businesses, and communities. The County prioritizes creating a supportive work environment by fostering a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging among its employees. This commitment is reflected through numerous thoughtful benefits such as generous leave accruals, career development opportunities, remote and flexible work options when appropriate, longevity pay, education assistance programs, comprehensive health benefits, lucrative retirement packages, and more. Employees at Bernalillo County work collaboratively to serve the public while maintaining a strong balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being.

The Youth Services Center within Bernalillo County is currently seeking a Cook to join its dedicated team. This role plays a vital part in supporting the center's mission by preparing and serving nutritious meals to the residents and staff. Under the supervision of the Food Service Manager, the Cook is responsible for managing the daily meal preparation process, ensuring that dietary needs are met, and that food service operations adhere to sanitation and safety standards. The position offers union wages starting at $19.24 per hour during probation and $19.62 per hour after probation with a dependable work schedule.

The Cook's duties encompass a wide scope of food preparation tasks including baking bread, preparing desserts, and accommodating special diets prescribed by the medical department. This role also involves inventory management by helping to plan meals and maintaining stock levels of food and supplies in storage areas such as storerooms and walk-in refrigerator-freezers. A critical aspect of the job is the sanitation and cleanliness of the kitchen, utensils, and equipment to comply with state and federal health regulations. The Cook also assists in supervising vocational and community service workers involved in food-related tasks, ensuring operational efficiency and safety.

Because the Youth Services Center serves a unique population, the Cook must handle additional responsibilities such as maintaining detailed records including daily temperature logs, meal counts, and documentation needed for regulatory compliance and funding purposes. The work environment demands attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and the ability to perform physically demanding tasks in a variety of kitchen settings. This position requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, maintain effective relations with team members and residents, and adapt to flexible work hours that may extend beyond a standard Monday-to-Friday schedule.

The role demands familiarity with various kitchen equipment including mixers, blenders, ovens, dishwashers, and steam tables, as well as safety and sanitation supplies like rubber gloves and cleaning solvents. A high school diploma or GED is required along with proficiency in the English language. The Cook must demonstrate competence in preparing meals efficiently in large quantities, following dietary requirements, and handling food and supplies in a safe manner.

Candidates should be prepared for physical demands such as standing or walking for long periods, lifting weights up to 50 pounds, climbing ladders, and navigating a kitchen environment exposed to temperature extremes and potential hazards like cuts, burns, and chemical fumes. Compliance with all relevant county safety guidelines, passing background checks and medical exams, holding a valid New Mexico driver’s license, and completing prescribed training including FEMA and supervisor training are mandatory for employment. This position offers an enriching opportunity to contribute meaningfully to youth services and community well-being while working within a supportive county government framework.