Food Truck Cook Lead

FOOD TRUCK COOK LEAD

Thank you for considering Housing & Food Services at the University of Washington, Seattle.

At the University of Washington, diversity is integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity and justice for all.

HFS provides on-campus housing to over 10,000 student residents and operates over 40 dining and café locations that serve the entire campus community. In order to successfully accomplish this, we employ over 1,200 students, classified and professional staff members who work throughout HFS, providing residential and dining services to the campus. As reflected in our mission statement—working together to enhance student life—teamwork and service to our students and customers are at the heart of our business.

To learn about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at UW Housing & Food Services, you are encouraged to review our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement Training.

Position Overview
The Food Truck Cook Lead guides, supports and actively participates in all aspects of production and service of a variety of foods/cuisines, including cutting meat and seafood, making sauces and/or cooking proteins. During the service phase of the workday, the Cook Lead prepares menu items in support of Food Truck Operations on Red Square and provides direction to the staff who would be involved in assembling foods, plating, grilling and performing the sales transactions.

Description of Duties

• Review prepared menu items to ensure proper cooking, presentation and authentic flavors.
• Check inventory levels and ensure that the food trucks are properly stocked.
• Review menus and recipes and consult with Manager on the production goals for the day/week.
• Prepare menu items from scratch ingredients.
• Perform related duties as requested.
• Receive inquiries and orders directly from customers and fulfill as requested.
• Oversee and participate in cleaning and sanitizing of all areas of the kitchen.
• Monitor prepared foods for compliance with HACCP, including taking and recording food temperatures before the food leaves the production area.
• Identify any safety issues or equipment malfunctions and report them to the Unit Manager.
• Assign, instruct and check the work of all kitchen staff, delegating to cooks and leads, as appropriate.
• Ensure the successful and timely execution of the menu, consulting with the culinary leadership if exceptions occur.
• Develop prep and order specifications derived from multiple recipes at various stations.
• Ensure foods and menu items remaining after meal preparation and service are properly wrapped, dated, labeled and stored before the close of the shift.
• Break down larger cuts of meat and seafood.
• Maintain records of foods produced, foods wasted, and any recipe adjustments.
• Assign, instruct and check the work of food truck staff and ensure compliance with opening and closing procedures on the trucks themselves.

Position Dimensions
This is a nine-month cyclic position that works mid-September through mid-June. Additional work may be offered during the summer based on business/operational needs.

Though hired into a specific working title or location, all employees of Housing & Food Services are expected to support overall operational and customer service needs by: participating in cross-training, providing coverage during staff absences or high business volume, participating in production and/or service of special events, and being willing and able to perform additional, related duties and/or be reassigned to another work unit (as appropriate, within job classification).

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of, or acquisition of a Washington State Food Worker card within two weeks of employment AND one year of experience as Cook including experience leading staff; or equivalent education/experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in cutting and preparing meat and seafood menu items, including sauces, using various methods such as slicing, carving, roasting, brining, and smoking, curing, marinating, and grilling.
• Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Food production experience within a Food Truck or Mobile Kitchen environment.
• Ability to cook foods from scratch using a variety of cooking techniques.
• Experience and knowledge of standard cuts of meat including poultry and fish.

Condition of Employment

• Washington State Food Worker Card within two weeks of employment.
• Washington State Driver’s License. (The Cook Lead needs to be able to drive the food truck as needed.)
• A satisfactory outcome from the employment verification and reference check processes.

Schedule
Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 4pm.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $3,260.00 - $4,134.00 per month

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• 8 hour shift

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person