Cook I (Concessions)

Apply now Job no:517463
Work type:Staff Full Time
Location:UMass Amherst
Department: Concessions Commissary Trucks
Union: AFSCME
Categories:Food Service/Hospitality

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Prepares and cooks food for mobile food trucks; leads small teams for the operation of a food truck. Performs duties required for daily operations of a mobile food truck including driving, training, inspecting food for quality and cash management.

Essential Functions

• Cooks food in quantities following standard recipes and established procedures adjusting recipes as needed to produce required amounts.
• Reads and uses computer generated standard menus and recipes to prepare meals.
• Roasts, fries, boils, broils, and seasons meats, fish, poultry, vegetables and other foods required for daily meals.
• Communicates with Cook II or Assistant Foods Manager on any menu problems.
• Assists other food service staff with the preparation and cooking of more complex dishes.
• Ensures and organizes a safe and sanitary storage of unused food to prevent spoilage.
• Operates food truck and food truck related equipment in accordance with established policies and safety procedures. Operates kitchen equipment such as a grill, fryers, cutlery, grinders and slicers to portion and/or prepare food for cooking.
• Provides customer service by displaying and explaining product, makes sales transactions and provides general information.
• Trains kitchen personnel in the proper portion control in preparation and service of food.
• Evaluates food for quality, quantity, appearance, temperature and taste through observation and tasting in order to determine if it is fresh, properly portioned and prepared correctly.
• Ensures systematic proper cleaning and/or sterilizing of cooking equipment and work areas.
• Transports food from kitchen to food truck.
• Keeps truck(s) on schedule by assigning tasks and keeping to established timelines.
• Handles cash according to departmental policies. Must maintain supervisor level cash handling access.
• Supervises staff in the safe operation of food truck equipment.
• Communicates maintenance needs and routinely inspects food trucks for service issues.
• Fuels the trucks and/or fills propane tanks as required by departmental policy to ensure adequate levels for service requirements.
• Drives the food truck or other University vehicle to off-campus locations for events or special services.
• Assists in the planning and execution of special events related to the food truck or concessions departmental needs.
• Utilizes social media and/or digital applications to communicate to team and/or customers as appropriate according to departmental standards.

Other Functions

• In absence of Cook II, assumes supervision of kitchen personnel.
• May be assigned to other locations within the department as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• At least two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in the preparation and cooking of food in a hotel, restaurant, cafeteria, catering firm, government or private institution. A diploma or certificate from a recognized trade, technical or vocation school at high school level or higher, with a major in culinary arts, food services or food trades may be substituted for the required experience.
• Valid Massachusetts (Class D) driver's license.
• Knowledge of the standard methods, safety practices and techniques used in food handling, storage, preparation, cooking and serving of food in large quantities.
• Ability to train staff on the types and uses of utensils and equipment used in large quantity food preparation and cooking such as ovens, knives, stoves, steamers, fryolators, etc.
• Knowledge of the proper quality, appearance and condition of foods.
• Ability to read and interpret recipes, weights and measures of tables.
• Ability to assist others to interpret recipes.
• Ability to give and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished.
• Willingness to work under exposure to the hazards of wet and slippery floors, seasonal high and low temperatures, varied weather conditions and sharp surfaces.
• Willingness to communicate with customers.
• Ability to use a smart phone/phone app.
• Ability to use social media to post food truck related information.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Requires the ability to balance, push, pull, bend, driving, reach, sit, twist, and perform repetitive movements.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time, climb stairs, lift and carry heavy objects.

Additional Details

QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB

• Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Basic knowledge of the operation of a cash register, including cash, check and UCARD purchases, along with knowledge of how to handle refunds and P.O. charges in accordance with department policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of how to operate food truck equipment including: driving and using propane fueled cooking equipment.
• This position is designated as essential personnel.
• Incumbents must be certified as food managers within six (6) months of the appointment start date through a recognized program approved by the University of Massachusetts (i.e. ServSafe).

Work Schedule

• Varies depending on departmental needs; may include weekends and holidays.
• 35 weeks minimum.

Salary Information

Grade 10

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please complete online application and provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.