Cook 1

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

Join our culinary team in Tukwila as a Cook 1 for our online meal delivery service, where you will be instrumental in preparing high-quality, delicious meals. This role requires meticulous attention to detail in meal preparation, portioning, and packaging, ensuring all dishes align with our strict standards for taste, presentation, and dietary compliance. You will work closely with the Sous Chef, utilizing fresh ingredients and maintaining an impeccably clean and organized workspace. We shop and prep ingredients on Fridays, cook all meals and package them on Saturdays, and deliver them to our clients on Sundays.

Essential Functions:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the essential responsibilities listed below. 

• Prepare and cook meals according to standardized recipes, ensuring consistency in taste, quality, and presentation.
• Ensure all ingredients are fresh when shopping, properly washed and prepped, and is familiar with proper storage of meats, produce, and vegetables.  Be able to do inventory and recommend purchasing quantities.
• Accurately portion and package meals according to company’s standards.  Prepare meals that cater to specific dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie diets.
• Assist with maintaining kitchen cleanliness, including washing dishes, cleaning equipment, and ensuring all workspaces are organized and sanitized while adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Assist in tracking ingredient usage, minimizing waste, and helping with reordering supplies.
• Work closely with other kitchen staff to ensure smooth and efficient operations; communicate any issues or delays promptly.
• Ensure the quality of meals prepared consistently meets or exceeds company standards and customer expectations.
• Effectively manage time to adhere to meal preparation schedules and meet deadlines without compromising quality.
• Maintain flexibility with scheduling to accommodate business needs.
• Knowledge of food prep, packing, and delivery. Supporting event and catering operations when needed. 
• Equipment maintenance and kitchen organization. 
• Provide feedback or ideas for improving recipes or introducing new dishes.
• Able to work weekends, holidays, or evenings as required by the business. 
• Deliver food to client's homes on Sundays
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Possesses common sense and a self starter.
• Responsible, dependable, and organized.
• Proven experience as a cook or in meal preparation, preferably in a meal prep service.
• Knowledge of cooking techniques, dietary restrictions, and food safety regulations.
• Ability to follow recipes accurately and adjust for portion sizes or dietary needs.
• Be willing to use your personal vehicle to deliver meals to clients in the Greater Seattle Area.

Education & Experience :  

• 3 years as a professional cooking in a high volume kitchen. 
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Culinary  training.
• Basic understanding of nutrition and dietary requirements is a plus.
• Driver's license and personal vehicle required. 

Professional Certifications (Optional but Advantageous):

• Food Safety and Sanitation Certification (e.g., ServSafe Manager Certification).

Physical Requirements:

• Manual dexterity required to handle knives, kitchen tools, and equipment.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including large pots, pans, and bulk food supplies.
• Perform repetitive motions such as chopping, stirring, and kneading for extended periods.
• Ability to visually inspect food for quality and presentation standards.
• Ability to detect flavors, aromas, and textures to ensure food quality.
• Ability to drive in traffic. 

Equipment / Tools Utilized:

• Commercial kitchen equipment, including ovens, grills, fryers, and mixers.
• Knives and other culinary tools.
• Inventory tracking tools, labeling devices, and packaging supplies.
• drive a personal vehicle 

NOTE: Down to Earth Cuisine retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time. 

Pay Range: $26-$28 per hour depending on experience

Part-time 18-24 hours/week to start with the potential for adjustments based on business needs and performance. Work Days are Friday, Saturday and Sundays at this time

Hourly non-exempt

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance (after 60 days of employment if working at least 20 hours a week). 

Paid Time Off 

Down to Earth Cuisine is an equal opportunity employer.