LTE Assistant Cook - Casual Call

Job Title: Limited Term Employee (LTE) Assistant Cook

The Limited Term Employee (LTE) Assistant Cook supports the County's Nutrition Program by preparing and packaging meals in accordance with food safety standards and dietitian-approved menus. The role plays a key part in ensuring reliable service to Meals on Wheels recipients and congregate meal sites, requiring coordination, adherence to safety protocols, and cooperative teamwork within the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) kitchen environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Prepares meals and side dishes based on menus approved by a registered dietitian, following ServSafe food handling standards.
2. Bakes items and performs food preparation tasks to meet the production needs of the Nutrition Program, including Meals on Wheels and congregate sites.
3. Coordinates with team members to package meals for delivery and service, and may assist with transportation and distribution to designated sites.
4. Cleans and sanitizes kitchen areas, tools, and equipment daily in compliance with health and safety regulations.
5. Maintains and updates a centralized cookbook containing all active recipes used in the meal program.
6. Responsible for prepping, stocking, and cleaning up the soup and salad bar on designated days.
7. Monitors kitchen inventory, rotates and stores stock weekly, and assists with vendor delivery organization.
8. Identifies and reports needed maintenance or repair of kitchen appliances and equipment.
9. Engages courteously with volunteers, staff, and meal participants to promote a welcoming environment.
10. Learns ordering procedures for all food and supplies to assist as needed.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Food Safety Knowledge: Applies ServSafe standards and best practices for sanitation and food handling across all meal preparation tasks.
• Team Collaboration: Works effectively in a shared kitchen environment to ensure efficient service delivery and meal readiness.
• Attention to Detail: Follows precise recipes and standards to ensure meal quality and consistency across service sites.
• Organizational Skills: Maintains accurate stock rotation, labeling, and recipe documentation to support program compliance and readiness.
• Physical Stamina: Performs repetitive kitchen tasks requiring lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
• Customer Service Orientation: Demonstrates respect and responsiveness when interacting with volunteers, clients, and coworkers.

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to obtain ServSafe certification within six (6) months of hire.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Technical diploma in culinary science or related food service field.
• At least three (3) years of experience cooking for large groups.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Work is primarily conducted in a commercial kitchen environment that requires adherence to food safety procedures and safe equipment use. Approximately 75% of work involves bending, twisting, reaching, standing, and walking. The position requires regular handling and lifting of items between up to 40 pounds. Exposure to heat-producing kitchen appliances (ovens, steamers) and mechanical equipment (mixers, slicers) is common. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves or aprons may be required during meal preparation and sanitation activities.

Emergency Response Statement

In an effort to provide for continuity of County government and to cope with the problems of the emergency, you may be required to work during a proclaimed state of emergency, consistent with Sec. 323.14, Wis. Stats. and County emergency management plans and programs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Door County is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Disclaimer

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.