The posting
Job Purpose
The Cook/Food Service role prepares and serves meals for Hitchiner's employee cafeteria, ensuring food quality, portion accuracy, and safe food handling practices at all times. This role supports a clean, welcoming cafeteria environment and contributes to employee satisfaction as part of Hitchiner's commitment to being an employer of choice.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
#
Essential Function
% of Time
1
Prepare and cook daily menu items including hot entrees, soups, sides, and short-order items per established recipes, portion standards, and quality requirements; set up and maintain cafeteria serving lines for scheduled meal periods.
45%
2
Serve food to employees at the cafeteria line, maintaining accurate portioning, professional service, and a welcoming cafeteria environment throughout each meal period.
20%
3
Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, cooking surfaces, serving areas, and cafeteria dining areas in accordance with food safety standards and Hitchiner facility cleanliness requirements; complete daily and weekly cleaning checklists.
20%
4
Monitor food temperatures, proper food storage, and expiration management per food safety and ServSafe requirements; report food safety concerns or equipment issues to supervisor immediately.
10%
5
Support food ordering and inventory tasks as assigned including receiving deliveries, checking orders against invoices, rotating stock, and communicating supply needs to the Lead Cook or supervisor.
5%
Total
100%
Required Qualifications
Education
High school diploma or equivalent preferred; not required for entry level.
Experience
No prior experience required for Cook/Food Service Associate. 2+ years of food service, cafeteria, or institutional cooking experience required for Lead Cook.
Certifications
ServSafe Food Handler certification required within 90 days of hire for all levels; ServSafe Manager certification preferred for Lead Cook.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Ability to follow recipes, portion standards, and food preparation procedures accurately and consistently. Knowledge of safe food handling, storage, and temperature control practices per ServSafe standards. Ability to operate commercial kitchen equipment including ovens, grills, steamers, fryers, and dishwashers safely. Physical stamina for extended standing, working in hot kitchen environments, and lifting up to 40 lbs. Strong attention to cleanliness, sanitation, and food safety compliance at all times. Effective communication with cafeteria team members and professional, courteous interaction with all employees. Ability to manage food preparation tasks within meal period time constraints. Lead Cook: ability to direct and train Food Service Associates and manage kitchen operations independently during assigned shift.
Working Conditions
Environment: Commercial kitchen and cafeteria environment; exposure to heat, steam, and cooking odors. Physical demands: Extended standing throughout shift; working in warm kitchen conditions; frequent lifting up to 40 lbs; bending and reaching for food preparation and cleaning tasks. PPE: Non-slip footwear required; hair restraint required; cut-resistant gloves for applicable food prep tasks; safety glasses required if accessing production areas.



