Cook & Kitchen Steward

Wooddale Church Cook/Kitchen Steward

The Cook/Kitchen Steward supports the Food Services Director/Executive Chef in the daily operation of Wooddale Church's food service program, including church events and catering, Wooddale Academy's two locations serving children from infancy through age six, and two coffee shop locations. The primary responsibilities of this position include preparing and serving high-quality food, assisting with catering and special events, receiving and storing food and supplies, and ensuring that all kitchen and food service areas are clean, organized, safe, and maintained to the highest standards of excellence and in accordance with applicable local Health Department regulations and food safety requirements.

The Cook/Kitchen Steward is an essential member of the Food Services team and must be dependable, energetic, flexible, organized, and willing to step in wherever needed including dish washing and cleaning duties. This position requires strong culinary skills, attention to detail, good judgment, initiative, and the ability to anticipate the needs of the kitchen and food service operation. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to excellent hospitality and service while working effectively with Food Services staff, church and Academy staff, ministry leaders, volunteers, and guests.

Responsibilities include:

• Prepare and cook food according to established recipes, menus, production schedules, and quality standards.
• Assist the Food Services Director/Executive Chef with daily food production and preparation.
• Prepare meals and food items for church events, catering functions, meetings, Academy programs, staff meals, coffee shop operations, and other ministry activities.
• Maintain consistent food quality, taste, appearance, portion control, and proper serving temperatures.
• Prepare food appropriate for young children while following established recipes, portion guidelines, dietary requirements, and food safety practices.
• Assist with preparation of food for large events and special programs that require increased production.
• Adapt to changing production needs, attendance numbers, schedules, and event requirements.
• Assist with setup, service, replenishment, and breakdown for catered events and other food service activities.

Kitchen stewardship and cleanliness:

• Maintain kitchen and food service areas at the highest standard of cleanliness, organization, and sanitation.
• Follow established daily, weekly, and event-specific cleaning procedures.
• Clean and sanitize work surfaces, food preparation areas, cooking equipment, utensils, appliances, floors, sinks, and other kitchen areas.
• Ensure kitchens are properly cleaned and reset after food preparation, meal service, catering events, and other activities.
• Maintain an organized and orderly work environment throughout the day.
• Assist with dishwashing, garbage and recycling, sweeping, mopping, and other kitchen closing duties as needed.
• Identify and report maintenance, safety, sanitation, or equipment concerns to the Food Services Director/Executive Chef.
• Help ensure all kitchen areas meet or exceed applicable Health Department and Wooddale standards.

Food receiving, storage, and organization:

• Assist with receiving food, beverage, equipment, and supply deliveries.
• Verify deliveries for quantity, quality, freshness, and condition and report discrepancies to the Food Services Director/Executive Chef.
• Assist with receiving and coordinating food deliveries for Wooddale Academy locations.
• Properly store food and supplies according to established food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Maintain orderliness and cleanliness in coolers, freezers, dry storage areas, and other food storage spaces.
• Properly label, date, rotate, and store food using FIFO (first in, first out) practices.
• Monitor storage areas and communicate inventory needs, spoilage, shortages, or other concerns.
• Help maintain appropriate inventory levels and minimize food waste.

Food safety and sanitation:

• Follow all applicable Health Department regulations and Wooddale Church food safety and sanitation policies.
• Maintain proper food temperatures during receiving, preparation, cooking, holding, cooling, storage, and service.
• Follow proper procedures to prevent cross-contamination.
• Follow established procedures for food allergies and special dietary requirements.
• Complete required temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and other food safety documentation.
• Maintain personal hygiene and proper food handling practices at all times.
• Immediately report food safety concerns, injuries, hazards, or unsafe conditions to the appropriate supervisor.
• Ensure chemicals and cleaning products are properly stored and used according to established procedures.

Events and catering:

• Assist with preparation and execution of church events, catering functions, receptions, meetings, Academy events, and other food service activities.
• Assist with buffet, plated, boxed, reception, and other forms of food service as assigned.
• Help transport and set up food and supplies for events and designated locations.
• Replenish food and beverage service areas as needed.
• Assist with breakdown and cleanup following events.
• Work collaboratively with volunteers and ministry teams to provide excellent service to guests.
• Maintain a professional, welcoming, and service-oriented presence when interacting with church members, families, guests, staff, and volunteers.

Teamwork and ministry support:

• Work closely with the Food Services Director/Executive Chef and designated Food Services staff to accomplish department goals.
• Work effectively with volunteers and provide assistance or direction when assigned.
• Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to assist with all aspects of food service operations.
• Communicate effectively regarding schedules, production needs, inventory, equipment, events, and other operational matters.
• Maintain positive working relationships with church staff, Academy staff, coffee shop staff, ministry leaders, volunteers, and other members of the Wooddale community.
• Demonstrate a servant-hearted attitude and commitment to hospitality in all interactions.
• Represent Wooddale Church in a manner consistent with its mission, values, Statement of Faith, and Covenant.

Qualifications:

• Culinary degree, culinary training, or equivalent professional food service experience; three years of culinary or food service experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with food preparation and cooking in a commercial, institutional, catering, restaurant, school, or similar food service environment.
• Experience using commercial dishwasher preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling.
• ServSafe Manager Certification required or ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe.
• Must have a valid MN driver's license and good driving record.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately while maintaining high standards of food quality and safety.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated initiative, common sense, and the ability to anticipate needs and identify where assistance is needed.
• Ability to work effectively with volunteers and individuals with varying levels of food service experience.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism when working with staff, students, families, volunteers, and church members.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as food service needs require.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, and pull food, supplies, and equipment as required by the position.
• Subscribe to and affirm the Statement of Faith and Covenant of Wooddale Church.

Relationships:

• Reports to: Food Services Director/Executive Chef
• Works closely with: Food Services staff, church staff, Academy staff, coffee shop staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers.
• Supervisory responsibility: May provide direction and assistance to volunteers or other food service personnel as assigned; this position does not have regular supervisory responsibility unless otherwise designated.

Work environment/physical demands:

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday while performing food preparation, cooking, serving, cleaning, stocking, and dishwashing duties. Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, squat, twist, turn, and reach as required