Prep Cook

There is one part-time hourly positions, approximately 15- 24 hours per week and availability must include evenings and at least one weekend day/night.

Summary of Responsibilities: In cooperation with other team members, responsible for baking and food preparation to the Co-op standards. Includes prepping ingredients and assembly for menu items, following established recipes for packing items for deli cases, deli baked goods, product stocking and rotation, wash dishes and ensure a clean, safe kitchen work environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Food Preparation and Packaging

• Consistently prepare deli food and baked goods according to the Co-op approved recipes, procedures, and standards.
• Comply with all food safety requirements such as checking and maintaining temperatures, dating and labeling products, rotating produces so that oldest is used first. Understand and perform proper handling of perishable goods.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary work station including tables, shelves, stoves, ovens, and refrigeration equipment.
• Follow production schedule provided by the Kitchen Supervisor or Senior Fresh Manager; remain productive at all times.
• Work efficiently being respectful of co-workers and shared equipment needs.  Assist team members in the completion of their work, as directed.  Maintain an awareness of surroundings in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
• Neatly package product following established standards and accurately label products.
• Stock product and rotate merchandise ensuring shelf-tag accuracy and presentable signage.
• Assist with baking duties as needed and at the direction of the Kitchen Supervisor.
• Close the prep and bake areas correctly following shift checklist; communicate to Manager or using daily log to convey remaining department needs.

Cleaning and Organization

• Wash dishes and equipment, put away after completely dry.
• Follow cleaning procedures for all equipment.
• Maintain established organization and safety protocols for all work and back stock areas and ensure correct upkeep.

Provide excellent customer service

• Treat customers in a prompt, friendly, and attentive manner, offering help to customers when needed.
• Familiarity with co-op policies and product locations to better answer customer questions.
• Provide information about merchandise, location of products, in-store promotions, and Member services.
• Update and add to your knowledge on an on-going basis.

Contribute to a positive work environment

• Maintain a neat and well-groomed personal appearance at all times.
• Work in a positive, cooperative, and friendly manner with co-workers.
• Set positive example for other coworkers.
• Arrive on time for all shifts, huddles, meetings, and classes.

Other Tasks

• Perform other tasks assigned by supervisor and assist storewide when needed and/or requested by management.
• Participate in monthly inventory, as needed

Knowledge and Skills

        Minimum Education:                                           

• Current Food Handler’s Card (Optional w/certification with-in the 1st year)

       Minimum Experience:         

• Prior food handling or cooking experience, preferred

        Language Skills:

• Ability to extend excellent customer service customers, staff, vendors, and community members.
• Demonstrates professional presentation of self and Co-op products.
• Communications skills- ability to understand and/or provide clear instructions and ability to communicate daily information to Supervisor or Manager
• Proper and professional use of the phone system.

        Computer Skills:

• Sufficient computer skills that will allow use, in a proficient manner, all Company-issued software programs, including but not limited to Microsoft Office programs and internet navigation.

        Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to multi-task and stay focused with minimal supervision.
• Ability to respond to or manage difficult or emotional customer situations.
• Ability to provide peer coaching with regards to policy adherence as needed.
• Demonstrated objectivity, neutrality, calmness under pressure.
• Ability to work closely and cooperatively with others; Good team work and interpersonal skills for maneuvering in limited work areas and achieving the department’s daily production goals.
• Possess good organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow through on commitments.

        Desirable Skills:      

• Ability to communicate in Spanish.
• Familiarity with natural foods and special diets (vegan, vegetarian, etc) preferred; willingness to learn required.
• Willingness and ability to learn and grow to meet the changing requirements of the job.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic and optimum performance.

Physical Job Description

Typical Working Conditions:

Employees will be standing for prolonged periods of time on a concrete or rubber mat floor. May need to climb stairs to the upstairs offices use of Kitchen desk and office equipment.  Employee may have limited duration exposure to outside temperatures and conditions, which is dependent on the season. May have exposure to cold while in the walk-in refrigerator. Must be able to lift heavy grocery bags, boxes, and bulk special orders for customers.

Equipment Used:

Employee is responsible for the proper use of the kitchen equipment, including, but not limited to, pots, pans, stove, oven, knives, mixer, 3-compartment sink, shrink wrap, and storage equipment. This position may need to use additional office equipment such as the department computer and, infrequently, the copier and laminator.

Essential Physical Tasks:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time. The employee is constantly required to use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms, to grab supplies for example.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds with an occasional need to lift and/or move between 25 to 50 pounds. There may be the occasional need to climb, stoop, kneel, or crouch and rarely crawl, for example bending from the waist or bent legs to reach lower shelves.  The employee must have peripheral vision and depth perception to accommodate the shared work space and needs for safe equipment use. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

NOTE: Chico Natural Foods Co-op will make every effort to meet a request for disability accommodation. We comply with the ADA and consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants/employees to perform essential functions. Hire may be subject to passing a medical examination, or skills/agility tests. If you require accommodation to participate in our application process, please contact the HR Manager.