Cook 1

Job Description

Position: Cook 1

Department: Food and Beverage

Job Summary: Prepares, cooks, and presents food using established recipes.

Duties and Responsibilities (specific areas of responsibility include but are not limited to):

• Reads daily menus to ensure cooking times are coordinated for timely preparation of all food products.
• Ensures that all the ingredients and necessary components for the menu items to be prepared during the shift are ready at the start of the shift (mise en place).
• Prepares ingredients, including washing, peeling, portioning, chopping, and storing food.
• Performs food production functions such as properly measuring, weighing, and mixing ingredients; prepares food items by following a recipe; and performs cutting operations using knives and cutting board.
• Prepares and cooks dishes; ensures that menus, recipes, methods, pictures, and specifications provided by supervisors are followed exactly.
• Monitors and tests food quality while preparing food; checks if cooked sufficiently along with proper consistency, temperatures, and flavors.
• Verifies food is satisfactorily cooked in both quality and quantity prepared.
• Prepares proper plate and platter presentations.
• Serves food in proper portions onto proper receptacles.
• Assists with set-up and break down of work and action stations, as needed.
• Assists with placing food on the steam and cold tables, as needed; ensures food rotation and proper timing of foods.
• Prepares customized food to order, such as Caesar salads or handpicked items to be sautéed for pastas, crepes, and breakfast omelets.
• Maintains an adequate inventory of cooking ingredients and supplies.
• Operates ovens, stoves, grills, microwaves, and fryers to prepare foods.
• Maintains cleanliness of workstation, kitchen area, walk-in cooler, and freezer in accord with departmental and health and safety standards.
• Ensures proper storage of all food products; ensures all food items are dated and up to established standards.
• Ensures and the kitchen is ready for preparation of the next meal.
• Inspects tools and equipment before and after use; makes sure they are clean and in proper working order.
• Follows established safety and security policies and procedures including reporting accidents, injuries, and unsafe working conditions immediately to a supervisor.
• Assists in developing and implementing new menus.
• Confers with supervisor to review achievements and discuss needed changes in goals or objectives.
• Works collaboratively with team members to ensure a smooth running operation.
• Assists guests with courtesy, promptness, and friendliness.
• Ensures uniform and personal appearance is clean and professional.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of menu development, costs, and wage control.
• Knowledge of food products, standard recipes, and proper preparation.
• Knowledge of kitchen tools and equipment as well as food service operations, including large quantity food preparations.
• Knowledge of the Entertainment Enterprise Division (EED) and departmental internal controls, policies, and procedures as well as applicable laws and regulations.
• Skill in operating various pieces of commercial kitchen equipment.
• Good organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to read a prep list, fill pars, and maintain daily inventory.
• Ability to read and follow established recipes.
• Ability to use all food preparation equipment.
• Ability to instruct others, offering assistance in areas where they lack knowledge, skills, or experience.
• Ability to effectively use senses such as sight, hearing, and smell to distinguish product, taste, texture, and presentation.
• Ability to produce a quality product on a consistent basis.
• Ability to effectively multitask.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to walk and stand during an entire shift.
• Ability to read, write, and fill out any necessary paperwork.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment that may be stressful at times.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of experience at the Cook 1 level OR any combination of academic education, professional training, or work experience.
• Must successfully pass a Cook 1 audition.
• Must either possess or obtain a valid Food Handler’s card and ServSafe certification within three (3) months of employment.
• Must be able to work any shift, weekends, holidays, special events, and overtime, as needed.
• Must have employment eligibility in the U.S.
• Must be able to obtain, maintain, and retain a valid gaming license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Culinary degree or certificate.
• Cooking experience in a gaming/hotel environment comparable to the EED.