First Cook

Location: Bennington,Vermont,United States

Bennington College Dining Services team welcomes applications for a First Cook. Dining on campus is a quintessential part of the overall college experience, and the team takes great pride in providing an experience our students, faculty, staff, and guests will find memorable. Through our variety of menu offerings and friendly and welcoming staff, we strive to make every dining experience extraordinary.

The First Cook is responsible for the preparation of all menu items for assigned meals and general food production. All dining employees must comply with applicable sanitation, health, and safety guidelines and assist with meeting the overall objectives of the dining services department.  

The hourly rate of pay is $22.96. The College offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes generous paid time off benefits, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, short-term disability coverage, and a retirement plan with employer match. The College also offers educational benefits for the employee, spouse/partner, and dependents.

Schedule (40 hours/week):

• Monday through Wednesday, 11:30 am-8:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 am-7:30 pm

Key Responsibilities 

• Prepare and supervise all meals (hot and cold foods) and miscellaneous food production as assigned. Ensure that all food is properly prepared and served at the correct temperature. Monitor food usage throughout the meal and maintain supply of food for line or service.  
• As required, ensure availability of supplies and food or approved substitutions in adequate time for preparation.  Apportion food for serving.  Complete food temperature checks before service.
• Adhere to standardized cycle menu and advise chef of any discrepancies.  
• Follow all standardized recipes and advise chef of any discrepancies in recipes.
• Direct cooks helper, student employees, part time and wait staff and coordinate in assigned roles to ensure effective/efficient functioning of all dining services.
• Responsible for awareness of scheduled catering functions. Responsible for executing functions as assigned.
• Responsible for the timely service of all assigned meals. Responsible for coordinating food production with meal serving hours so that excellence, quality, temperature and appearance of food is preserved.
• Responsible for the cleaning of the general work area including cooking and serving areas as well as the equipment used in production.
• When needed responsible for the operation of the Snack Bar; prepare light fare/meals, manage light cooking and handle related cash receipts
• Provide general guidance and assistance to students/summer and temporary workers regarding work assignments.
• Responsible for the retrieval/stocking of food products from/to kitchen storage areas.
• Operate assigned vehicles as required to assist with transport of goods/personnel to designated areas and/or to facilitate execution of job functions.  Report any mechanical defects in vehicle to supervisor.  
• Deliver, set up and pick-up of special parties as required.  Assist in the proper set up and service of small functions.
• Responsible for the proper receiving of deliveries and proper handling and storage of all foods and equipment.  Keep dry food dry and free of damaged packaging. Maintain proper temperature of cold food received and verify that all products are satisfactory upon delivery. Report all damaged product or discrepancies to management immediately.  
• Responsible for proper handling and storage of all foods prepared/served.
• Maintain proper care of equipment.  Report necessary equipment repair and maintenance to supervisor in a timely manner.  
• Adhere to proper dress code requirements, as determined by season and function.
• Comply with established sanitation standards and health standards for kitchen and kitchen storage areas.  Observe proper food preparation, handling and storage techniques.
• Follow established safety rules and regulations including using appropriate guards and safety devices on all equipment.  Maintain a safe and clean work environment.  Keep informed of all material safety data sheets. Attend and successfully complete/pass College-sponsored safety classes and seminars.
• Promote a positive and congenial atmosphere and working relationship with students, employees, supervisors and other individuals that this position may come in contact with.  Work effectively with other personnel to complete/coordinate designated duties.
• Use proper jud