Cook - Buffet

Full‑Time Buffet Cook – Retreat Dining Services, National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL. If you love preparing buffet‑style meals for groups, enjoy creating new recipes, and thrive in a positive Christian work environment, we'd love to meet you. The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows is seeking a Full‑time Buffet Cook to join our Retreat Dining Services team. This role offers: Supportive, faith‑centered atmosphere Opportunities to be creative with menu planning Consistent hours with no late evenings A chance to serve guests and retreat groups with hospitality and care If you're passionate about cooking and want a workplace where your talents make a meaningful impact, this could be a wonderful fit. This role plays a key part in creating a welcoming, nourishing experience for all who visit. Key Responsibilities Meal Preparation – Prepare, cook, and serve tasty, nutritious buffet‑style meals in a timely manner. Guest Service – Provide attentive, friendly service during meals and respond to guest needs with Christian hospitality. Kitchen Safety – Maintain high standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and safety throughout the kitchen and dining areas. Event Support – Assist with meal service for additional Shrine functions as needed. Weekend Availability – Work some weekends as part of the regular schedule. Qualifications Composure Under Stress – Ability to remain calm and focused during busy meal periods. Problem‑Solving – Demonstrates sound judgment and effective decision‑making. Open‑Mindedness – Willingness to listen to and respect the opinions of others. Christian Hospitality – Shows kindness, respect, and care toward guests and coworkers. Team Support – Eager to learn, grow, and assist the Lead Cook and Food Service Assistants as needed. Education and Experience High school education or equivalent preferred. Food service leadership skills – Ability and aptitude to oversee staff in food preparation, hospitality, meal service, and clean‑up procedures. Sanitation certification – Must hold a valid State Sanitation Certification or be willing to obtain certification after hire; passing the exam is required for continued employment. Sanitation knowledge – Familiarity with proper sanitation procedures and ability to train assistants in sanitary practices. Equipment safety – Knowledge of safe and proper use of kitchen equipment and ability to instruct assistants in correct usage. Professional communication – Demonstrates courtesy, tact, and respect when interacting with guests and coworkers. Adaptability – Willingness to take on varied assignments and accept reassignment to different tasks as directed by the Lead Cook. Physical Demands Active physical work – Requires extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and stooping. Lifting and movement – Involves pushing and pulling carts and lifting pots, pans, boxes, and other kitchen items as needed. Temperature exposure – Regular exposure to hot and cold temperatures in kitchen and storage areas. This is a full‑time position (40 hours per week) with a comprehensive benefits package, including: Medical insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Short‑term disability Long‑term disability Life insurance Paid time off Paid holidays Must pass background check and pre‑employment drug testing. #J-18808-Ljbffr Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate