Cook

Job Requirements

At University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), our team members are dedicated to providing exceptional care and service to the communities we serve. We are seeking a motivated and experienced Cook to join our Nutritional Services team. In this role, you will prepare and serve high-quality meals for patients, visitors, and team members while adhering to food safety, sanitation, and quality standards.

If you have a passion for food preparation, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and are committed to delivering excellent customer service, we encourage you to apply.

Job Summary

The Cook performs a variety of routine food preparation and cooking duties for patient and retail meal services. This position prepares, cooks, portions, plates, and serves menu items according to standardized recipes and production schedules. The Cook maintains food quality and safety standards, ensures proper sanitation of equipment and work areas, and supports departmental operations through accurate documentation and inventory utilization.

This role may occasionally interact with patients and customers of various age groups and contributes to a positive dining experience through professional and courteous service.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, portion, plate, and serve food items according to standardized recipes, production schedules, and portion control guidelines for patient and retail meal services.
• Review menus and production sheets, assemble ingredients and equipment, and operate commercial kitchen equipment including ovens, kettles, steamers, and fryers to ensure timely meal preparation.
• Monitor and maintain food quality and safety standards by conducting temperature checks, completing required logs, and following all sanitation, regulatory, and food handling procedures.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary work areas; perform routine cleaning duties; and report equipment maintenance or repair needs to leadership.
• Support departmental operations by accurately documenting production records, minimizing food waste, utilizing appropriate leftovers, providing excellent customer service, and assisting with other duties as assigned.

Work Experience

Work Orientation & Experience:

• Minimum of one year's experience in food preparation and/or culinary degree required.
• The incumbent may require up to 1 month of detailed job orientation and training to gain specific capabilities to perform essential job functions.

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to read and understand English.
• Ability to understand weights and measures. Ability to understand and follow directions.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.