Cook

Job Description

Job Description

Be a Star at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts!

The Cook is responsible for the timely and accurate preparation of high-quality food items for the line, pantry, or the production area of the main kitchen based on guidelines set by their supervisors.

Located in downtown Tampa, the 335,000 square-foot Straz Center, one of the largest performing arts complexes in the country, offers a team-based work environment that shows our dedication to the community every day. We reward our full-time employees with a strong benefits package including options for health/dental, vision, etc., discounted downtown parking, food and show discounts, plus a generous 403(b) plan and up to 27 days of PTO/Holidays per year.

Essential Functions:

Compliance/Standards

• Always complies with Straz standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient operations.
• Recognizes quality standards in fresh vegetables, fish, dairy, and meats.
• Obtains necessary supplies and equipment to perform duties.
• Maintains kitchen in a clean and organized manner to facilitate high volume production. Ensures equipment cleanliness.
• Handles and stores food in a sanitary fashion.

Professional/Administrative

• Approaches all encounters with guests/employees in a friendly and service-oriented manner.
• Maintains a positive demeanor at all times.
• Coordinates with Executive Chef/Sous Chef for banquet functions and special orders.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to work nights, weekends, and some holidays, as needed.
• Must have knowledge of kitchen procedures and functions.
• Ability to work in all stations within a kitchen.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced constantly changing environment.
• The ideal candidate will be friendly and outgoing with strong communication and customer service skills.
• Professional and well-groomed appearance.

Education and Work Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent in a comparable facility or related field preferred.
• One year minimum experience in "from scratch" catering, buffets, or à la carte operations.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to remain stationary for extended periods of time, reach, and communicate both in person and by telephone.
• The employee is occasionally required to move up to 25lbs, ascend/descend atop ladders, and move in confined spaces.
• The information contained in this physical standards description is for compliance with ADA and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed. The individuals currently holding this position perform additional duties and additional duties may be assigned.
• The nature of this job requires the employee to work on-site as a regular work routine.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to being an inclusive workplace and strongly believes in the importance of having a diverse group of individuals represented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Please visit our website at to learn more about the Straz Center.