Cook

Creative Dining Services is a distinguished leader in the hospitality and facility management industry, specializing in partnering with a wide array of clients including colleges, universities, Fortune 100 companies, senior living communities, conference centers, K-12 schools, and camps. They are renowned for delivering an innovative and engaging approach to dining services, ensuring that each community they serve experiences hospitality that is both fun and impactful. The company prides itself on fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, where quality service and community focus are at the forefront of their mission. Creative Dining Services is also recognized as an Equal Opportunity Employer and is veteran-friendly, demonstrating their commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The Prince Conference Center at Calvin University is currently seeking a talented and dedicated Cook to join their Dining Services Department. This full-time role is pivotal in maintaining the high standards Creative Dining Services is known for, ensuring that the food provided is nutritious, well-prepared, and served safely and efficiently. The Cook will be responsible for preparing menu items in accordance with clearly established recipes and guidelines, helping to preserve the quality, flavor, and appeal of all dishes. Attention to detail is crucial as the Cook will also manage food production timing to align with service schedules and utilize batch cooking techniques to optimize food quantity and minimize waste.

This role requires the cook to adopt safe food handling practices continuously, ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations. Additionally, they will manage proper storage, labeling, and dating of food products to maintain quality and freshness. The Cook will also monitor and maintain production records such as food usage, inventory shortages, and customer counts alongside established logs including temperature controls for cooling, refrigeration, and overall kitchen environment sanitation. Keeping the work area clean, sanitized, and organized is a daily priority, coupled with adherence to scheduled work hours and uniform policies.

The Cook’s duties extend beyond food preparation; they will also support kitchen opening and closing procedures, safely managing equipment and securing the kitchen premises as needed. Sustaining a safe work environment by using protective equipment and promptly addressing spills or hazards reflects the department's commitment to workplace safety. Communication plays a significant role in this position as the Cook will liaise with supervisors regarding food production and operational concerns, ensuring continuous and smooth kitchen performance. The Cook is also expected to assist with inventory and ordering tasks, helping maintain efficient stock levels and assisting other team members to ensure the essential functions of the kitchen are carried out effectively.

The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of two years’ cooking experience and preferably possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with ServSafe Certification being a definitive asset. Creative Dining Services offers competitive pay, bonus opportunities, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and various other benefits, making it an attractive employer for culinary professionals. This position is perfect for individuals passionate about food service who thrive in a collaborative, dynamic environment that values both professional growth and community engagement.