Prep Cook in Ithaca, New York at ITH Hospitality

About the Role:

The Prep Cook plays a crucial role in the kitchen by ensuring that all ingredients are properly prepared and ready for use by the culinary team. This position supports chefs and cooks by performing essential food preparation tasks such as washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, which directly impacts the efficiency and quality of meal production. The Prep Cook must maintain a clean and organized workspace, adhering to all food safety and sanitation standards to guarantee a safe dining experience for customers. This role requires attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Ultimately, the Prep Cook contributes to the smooth operation of the kitchen and helps deliver high-quality dishes to guests consistently.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation and kitchen safety standards.
• Ability to follow instructions and work efficiently in a team environment.
• Physical stamina to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in a professional kitchen or food service environment.
• Certification in food safety or ServSafe.
• Familiarity with kitchen equipment and culinary terminology.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize duties during busy service periods.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare ingredients by washing, peeling, chopping, and measuring according to recipes and instructions.
• Assist chefs and cooks by organizing and stocking the kitchen with necessary supplies and ingredients.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of workstations, tools, and equipment in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Monitor inventory levels and report shortages or quality issues to kitchen management.
• Follow all food safety guidelines to prevent contamination and ensure the highest standards of hygiene.

Skills:

The Prep Cook utilizes basic culinary skills daily to prepare ingredients accurately and efficiently, ensuring that chefs have what they need to create dishes on time. Attention to detail is essential when measuring and cutting ingredients to maintain consistency and quality. Communication skills are important for coordinating with kitchen staff and reporting inventory needs or issues. Time management and organizational skills help the Prep Cook maintain a clean and orderly workspace, which supports overall kitchen productivity. Additionally, knowledge of food safety practices is applied continuously to uphold hygiene standards and prevent foodborne illnesses.