Cook

Cook

Moscow Food Co-op Downtown - Moscow, ID

Join Our Kitchen Team at the Moscow Food Co-op!

Love cooking from scratch? Passionate about creating fresh, high-quality food while working with an amazing team? The Moscow Food Co-op is looking for Cooks and Cook 2 to join our Prepared Foods Department. Whether you're building your culinary skills or you're an experienced cook ready to take on a leadership role, we'd love to hear from you. The position responsibilities and qualifications below are based on the updated Cook/Cook II job description.

As a member of our Kitchen team, you'll:

• Prepare fresh, high-quality meals for the hot bar, salad bar, grab-and-go cases, catering, and other prepared foods
• Follow standardized recipes, production schedules, and portion standards to ensure consistency and quality
• Provide outstanding customer service by answering questions about ingredients, allergens, specialty diets, and menu items
• Help maintain attractive, well-stocked food displays throughout the day
• Follow food safety, sanitation, labeling, and temperature monitoring procedures
• Keep work areas, equipment, coolers, and storage areas clean and organized
• Work closely with the Kitchen, Deli, Bakery, Grocery, and Front End teams to support daily operations
• Complete production schedules efficiently while minimizing food waste
• Assist with opening, closing, cleaning, and other department responsibilities
• Support department sales, quality, and operational goals through teamwork and attention to detail

Cook II Opportunities

Cook II is an advanced kitchen position for experienced cooks who are ready to take the next step. In addition to all Cook responsibilities, Cook IIs:

• Help coordinate daily kitchen production and workflow
• Mentor and train newer cooks
• Serve as a resource for recipes, cooking techniques, allergens, and specialty diets
• Assist the Kitchen Manager with day-to-day kitchen operations
• Identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and production
• Model exceptional food safety, customer service, and teamwork

What We're Looking For

• Positive, team-oriented attitude with a passion for great food and customer service
• Experience in a restaurant, deli, commercial kitchen, or food service environment preferred
• Basic cooking, knife, and food preparation skills
• Interest in natural, organic, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and specialty foods
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Basic math and computer skills
• Ability to obtain an Idaho Food Safety Certification (if not already certified)

Additional qualifications for Cook II:

• Two or more years of progressively responsible cooking experience preferred
• Advanced cooking, recipe execution, and food production skills
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to prioritize production and work independently with minimal supervision

Schedule & Availability

• Full-time: 35–40 hours per week
• Part-time: 20–29 hours per week
• Flexible scheduling, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and university breaks
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds

Why Work at the Co-op?

We're a community-oriented, values-driven workplace offering a supportive environment, living wages, and excellent benefits. In a recent employee survey, staff overwhelmingly said they're proud to work at the Moscow Food Co-op!

All employees receive:

• 20% store discount
• Employee Profit Sharing
• 401(k) retirement plan participation

Full-time employees also receive:

• Paid time off (PTO) accrual
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short-term disability coverage
• Accidental & hospital insurance
• Telemedicine & mental health support

Part-time employees working 20+ hours/week receive:

• Dental insurance
• Short-term disability, accidental & hospital insurance
• Telemedicine & mental health support

Come cook with us and help create the fresh, delicious foods our community loves! We welcome applicants who are passionate about food, enjoy working as part of a team, and are excited to contribute to the mission of the Moscow Food Co-op.

Position Summary

The Cook position is responsible for preparing high-quality, fresh, and consistent food for the Moscow Food Co-op's Prepared Foods Department while delivering excellent customer service and supporting department sales and margin goals. This position follows established recipes, production schedules, and food safety standards to prepare items for the hot bar, salad bar, grab-and-go cases, and deli. The Cook works independently on assigned tasks while collaborating with the Kitchen Manager, Kitchen Buyer, Deli team, and other kitchen staff to ensure efficient daily operations.

Cooks demonstrate strong product knowledge, maintain high standards of food quality and sanitation, and contribute to a positive team environment. This position is expected to consistently meet production expectations while providing exceptional service to customers.

Cook II serves as an advanced cook within the Prepared Foods Department and is responsible for overseeing daily production flow while consistently producing exceptional quality food. In addition to all Cook responsibilities, Cook II exercises greater independence in planning production, prioritizing workflow, troubleshooting problems, mentoring newer cooks, and supporting the Kitchen Manager with day-to-day kitchen operations.

Cook II is recognized as a department resource with advanced knowledge of recipes, ingredients, allergens, cooking techniques, food safety, and production efficiency. This position helps ensure production goals are met, supports department training, anticipates operational needs, and promotes a collaborative, high-performing kitchen culture.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Customer Service & Engagement

• Provide prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable customer service that reflects the Moscow Food Co-op's commitment to exceptional service.
• Greet and assist customers, answering questions about prepared foods, ingredients, allergens, cooking methods, and dietary options.
• Make product recommendations and educate customers on natural, organic, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specialty foods.
• Respond professionally to customer requests, concerns, and feedback, escalating issues when appropriate.

Food Preparation & Service

• Prepare high-quality foods for the hot bar, salad bar, grab-and-go cases, catering, and other prepared foods according to standardized recipes and production schedules.
• Follow established recipes, portion standards, and presentation guidelines to ensure consistency and quality.
• Complete daily production schedules while minimizing food waste and maximizing product freshness.
• Use local, seasonal, and organic ingredients whenever practical.
• Monitor food quality throughout the day and replenish products as needed.
• Properly label, date, and rotate all prepared foods.
• Record waste, samples, and donated products according to department procedures.
• Prioritize customer service over production tasks whenever customers require assistance.

Stocking, Merchandising & Department Presentation

• Maintain an attractive, clean, and well-stocked hot bar, salad bar, grab-and-go, and display cases throughout the shift.
• Rotate products using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) practices.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate supply needs to the Kitchen Manager or Kitchen Buyer.
• Organize coolers, freezers, and storage areas to support efficient kitchen operations.
• Ensure product signage is accurate, complete, and includes ingredients and allergen information.

Cleanliness, Food Safety & Sanitation

• Maintain current Idaho Food Safety Certification.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, HACCP, temperature monitoring, labeling, and storage procedures