Prep Cook

The Prep Cook is an entry-level position under the supervision of the onsite Food & Beverage Leadership. The Prep Cook is an essential member of the kitchen team, responsible for preparing ingredients and supporting the overall cooking process for lunch and dinner service. This role involves following recipes, adhering to food safety standards, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace. The Prep Cook will learn and apply healthy cooking techniques, assist with the cleaning and organization of kitchen areas, and collaborate with chefs to ensure high-quality food preparation.

The Prep Cook provides exemplary service in a manner consistent with the values and mission of the Castle Group. He or she performs all responsibilities while demonstrating outstanding customer service skills representative of Castle Royal Service.

Responsibilities

Assist with the preparation of ingredients for lunch and dinner service, ensuring all items are ready for timely cooking.

Learn and apply healthy cooking techniques, following designated methods to ensure consistent presentation, flavor, and nutritional quality of menu items.

Continuously develop cooking skills and expand knowledge of ingredients and preparation methods.

Support the cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing of the kitchen, walk-in coolers, and storage areas to maintain a clean and safe environment.

Properly store and label food to ensure freshness and prevent cross-contamination.

Perform additional tasks as requested by the Chef or Sous Chef to support overall kitchen operations.

Assist in maintaining a positive and collaborative atmosphere in the kitchen, fostering teamwork and professionalism.

Adhere to sanitation and food safety guidelines at all times to meet health standards and regulations.

Follow proper safety protocols when conducting job duties, including utilization of proper personal protective equipment (PPEs)

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred

Prior experience working in a fast-paced kitchen or restaurant environment preferred but not required.

Understanding of basic restaurant sanitation

Experience assisting with food prep or cleaning in a commercial kitchen environment is an advantage.

Knowledge of basic food preparation, meal presentation, general kitchen cleaning

Continuing education will be offered and administered as needed

Skills and Abilities

Ability to collaborate effectively with kitchen staff and follow directions from supervisors

Ability to work fast, effectively and stay focused under pressure

High attention to detail to ensure all dishes, utensils, and equipment are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

Consistently showing up on time and ready to perform all duties as assigned.

Must be able to perform repetitive tasks and stand for extended periods of time

Physical requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Able to work under pressure, maintain composure and utilize good judgement during emergency/difficult and stressful situations.

Ability to

lift up to 30 lbs.;

work in an upright standing or sitting position for long periods of time, may fluctuate.

May handle, finger, grasp and lift objects and packages.

Reach with hands and arms, communicate, receive and exchange ideas and information.

Ability to quickly and easily navigate the property/building as required to meet the job functions; complete all required forms.

May be required to travel for training sessions off-site on an ad-hoc basis.

May be occasionally required to cover for front desk staff at other communities within a reasonable commuting distance when needed.

Ability to work extended hours and weekends based on project requirements.

Ability to respond to emergencies and callouts in a timely manner.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Castle is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local laws.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be supplemented at any time based on organizational needs. In addition, management has the right to change any portion of this job description at any time and for any reason.