The University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy is looking for a Lead Cook. This position leads the kitchen staff to prepare dining hall and catering meals for a small close-knit University in-house dining services team. Responsibility for directing kitchen staff to complete assigned work, while spending a large amount of time directly responsible for prep and cooking; may support ordering and supplies. This is a full-time, hourly, four-day, year-round position entitled to University insurance, retirement, and time off benefits. Regular schedule is Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday working 10-hour shifts (day/evening hours as needed). The University is located in St. Louis in the middle of the Washington University medical campus near public transportation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directs regular and customary tasks of kitchen staff.
• Manages the operation in conjunction with management.
• Inspect food preparation and serving areas to ensure observance of safe, sanitary food-handling practices.
• Turn or stir foods to ensure even cooking.
• Season and cook food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience.
• Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting, smelling, or piercing them with utensils.
• Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to recipes or personal judgment, using various kitchen utensils and equipment.
• Portion, arrange, and garnish food, and serve food to guests.
• Regulate temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters.
• Substitute for or assist other cooks during emergencies or rush periods.
• Bake, roast, broil, and steam meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods.
• Wash, peel, cut, and seed fruits and vegetables to prepare them for consumption.
• Carve and trim meats such as beef, veal, ham, pork, and lamb for hot or cold service, or for sandwiches.
• Consult with supervisory staff to plan menus, taking into consideration factors such as costs and special event needs.
• Other duties as assigned by Management.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Knowledge of preparing, cooking, and serving food in large quantities.
• Ability to follow recipes, measurements, and follow food safety guidelines.
• Two years of experience in foodservice/food preparation.
• Reliability and service focus.
• Work effectively in a typical food service environment which may include loud noises, fast-paced, large numbers of people, high volume activity, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some formal culinary training, certificates, or college experience.
• Five (5) years of experience as a cook.
• Ability to work with management on menus, understand food costs, be creative and focused on quality.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and multitask.
• Interpersonal skills and experience to lead other kitchen staff to ensure smooth service with high quality.

If this sounds like the job for you, here is information on how to apply: Follow the simple steps to apply online. With your application, please submit a resume. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until filled.

• Excellent, affordable health insurance.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• University-paid life and disability insurance.
• Voluntary coverage.
• Retirement match.
• Generous parental and caregiver leave.
• Personal and University holiday.
• Sick and vacation time.
• Access to library resources, fitness facilities, cafeteria, and university events.

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Knowledge of preparing, cooking, and serving food in large quantities.
• Ability to follow recipes and food safety guidelines.
• Two years of experience in foodservice/food preparation.
• Reliability and service focus.
• Experience in an institutional and/or contracted food service operation preferred.
• Some formal culinary training or college experience preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and multitask.
• Interpersonal skills to lead kitchen staff.