Lead Cook

Tufts Medicine is a prominent integrated health system headquartered in Massachusetts, dedicated to providing exceptional healthcare by blending academic excellence with community health services. It includes Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, Melrose/Wakefield Healthcare, an extensive home care network, and a large clinically integrated physician network. With over 15,000 committed employees and caregivers, the system is renowned for its accessible, connected, and comprehensive care. The organization focuses on innovation, compassion, and community-centered care, making it one of the leading healthcare systems in the region.

Lowell General Hospital, a key component of Tufts Medicine, has proudly served the Greater Lowell community for more than 125 years. It seamlessly integrates the care standards of a premier medical center with the warmth and personal touch of a community hospital. The hospital is recognized for its nursing excellence, having earned the prestigious Magnet recognition for the fourth time in 2025, an honor awarded to less than one percent of hospitals nationwide. This achievement reflects the hospital's commitment to professionalism, outstanding patient care, and a supportive work environment.

The Full-Time Cook position at Lowell General Hospital is an opportunity to become part of a dedicated team that upholds the highest standards of food services within the healthcare setting. Reporting under general supervision, this role involves preparing a variety of hot and cold food items for staff, visitors, and patients across multiple meal periods including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special events like catering. The cook ensures that all meals are prepared accurately concerning quantity, quality, appearance, and safety standards following the hospital’s guidelines and HACCP principles.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in food production areas such as patient services, retail, and catering. The position requires proficiency in cooking, portioning, and presenting meals using standardized recipes and production sheets. The individual will be responsible for operating kitchen equipment, preparing ingredients by washing, peeling, cutting, and trimming, and ensuring compliance with infection control standards through proper hygiene practices like wearing hairnets and gloves.

This role goes beyond cooking to include inventory management, food storage and labeling compliance, maintaining food quality, cleaning and sanitation of work areas, and assisting in supervising kitchen staff. The cook will contribute to a positive team environment while coordinating with management on food usage and menu planning. Additionally, the cook assists with opening and closing kitchen procedures, enforces safety protocols, and handles routine manual tasks such as stocking and cleaning.

Tufts Medicine offers competitive salaries ranging from $20.12 to $25.15 per hour along with a comprehensive benefits package starting on the first day of hire. Employees benefit from 403(b) retirement plans with company matching, tuition reimbursement, free on-campus parking, guaranteed hours with a set schedule, and significant opportunities for career advancement. The position requires availability for any shift between 5:30 am to 8:30 pm, including every other weekend and holiday shifts.

Joining Lowell General Hospital means becoming part of a community-oriented culture that values the skills and dedication of its employees. It provides a family-friendly work atmosphere coupled with an inclusive approach to employee growth and development. Prospective candidates seeking a meaningful and rewarding career in food services within a healthcare environment will find this role fulfilling and challenging.