Prep Cook

TITLE: Prep Cook

For more than 50 years, Active Generations has been a trusted leader in supporting adults through wellness programs, essential services, and meaningful community connections. With a growing team across multiple locations, we continue to evolve and expand our impact while staying grounded in our mission.

Our work centers on creating environments where people can thrive—physically, socially, and emotionally. Through wellness and nutrition programs, caregiving services, and opportunities for connection, our team works together to promote active lifestyles and overall well-being. We’re guided by teamwork, compassion, and adaptability, and we’re looking for individuals who want their work to have genuine purpose and lasting impact.

SUMMARY

As a Prep Cook, you’ll help prepare ingredients and support kitchen operations to ensure high-quality meals. Responsibilities include food preparation, maintaining a clean workspace, and adhering to food safety standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepare ingredients by washing, peeling, chopping, slicing, dicing, and measuring.
• Assemble and portion ingredients according to recipes and chef instructions.
• Prepare sauces, marinades, dressings, and other components as needed.
• Assist chef and cooks with dish preparation during service.
• Maintain an organized workstation with tools and ingredients readily available.
• Stock and restock kitchen supplies, including utensils and ingredients.
• Follow food safety guidelines to prevent cross-contamination and ensure safe handling.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, work surfaces, and utensils.
• Properly store food items in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Inspect ingredients for freshness and quality, discarding any that don’t meet standards.
• Notify kitchen staff of any shortages or quality concerns.
• Collaborate with the kitchen team to ensure timely meal preparation.
• Support dishwashing and other cleaning tasks during downtime.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by kitchen management.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED
• ServeSafe Certification required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

Minimum 1 year of kitchen experience, catering experience is a plus. Detail-oriented, with strong communication and organizational skills. Collaborative and team-focused. Willing to learn and take initiative. Comfortable receiving feedback and revising work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Stand and move continuously for up to 8 hours or more.
• Frequently walk, bend, kneel, and reach throughout the shift.
• Lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Use hands and fingers to handle knives, kitchen tools, and equipment.
• Perform repetitive tasks such as chopping, slicing, and mixing.
• Assess food quality and presentation using sight, hearing, and taste.
• Work in environments with varying noise levels, temperatures, and humidity.
• Adapt to a dynamic kitchen environment with exposure to heat from ovens, grills, and stovetops.

This position is in person and takes place in a commercial kitchen setting. Regular exposure to heat; appropriate training and personal protective equipment (PPE) are provided. Fast-paced, team-oriented setting requiring attention to food safety and safe working conditions, with moderate noise and frequent interruptions. Schedules may be adjusted to fit program needs.

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Reports to: Kitchen Coordinator or Sr. Dining Operations Manager.

Direct reports: None.

ACCOMMODATION

Active Generations is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants or employees who require accommodation during the application or employment process should contact Human Resources.