ABOUT DC CENTRAL KITCHEN: 

DC Central Kitchen (DCCK), an equal opportunity employer, is a nationally acclaimed nonprofit that develops innovative social ventures aimed at breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty. Our mission is to use food as a tool to strengthen bodies, empower minds and build communities. Since 1989, we have prepared at-risk adults with histories of incarceration, addiction, homelessness, trauma, and chronic unemployment for meaningful careers in the food service industry. We, in turn, hire many of our graduates to support our social venture portfolio, which includes preparing 12,000 meals for our community each day, catering corporate events, and delivering fresh produce and healthy snacks to corner stores in low-income neighborhoods. Our commitment to making the most of our human capital starts with an intensely value-driven work environment that is purposefully diverse, proudly unconventional, and dedicated to relentless incremental improvements. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

The Production Cook works directly with the Lead Culinary to ensure efficient production of all meals relating to DC Central Kitchen food programs. It is the goal of this position to work with fellow Cooks, and Utility staff to maintain high culinary standards, proper sanitation, and food safety, as well as to minimize food waste and manage costs. The Production Cook role is responsible for producing meals according to recipe standards in a safe and efficient manner. This position requires entry-level culinary skills, good teamwork and strong organizational abilities. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Must represent the mission of DC Central Kitchen to all internal and external customers 
• Prepares and cooks meals according to recipe standards and production sheets 
• Package meals or meal components according to client count for agencies 
• Completes line checks daily to ensure all stations are stocked with quality food equipment and product 
• Ensures the highest level of sanitation and food safety is maintained at all times 
• Document daily menus on production sheets and notes changes if needed 
• Regularly tests for quality control of recipes according to program specifics 
• When needed, assist in expediting of meals to drivers ensuring all components are received 
• Clean and sanitize all kitchen equipment before, during and at the end of shifts 
• Work with volunteers and/or students in a courteous and friendly manner 
• Set up work stations for volunteers including products to be worked on, trash cans, floor mats, cutting boards, knives etc. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Current Servsafe Certification and must maintain certification during employment. 
• Graduate of CJT Program is preferred 
• High School Diploma or GED 
• 1-2 years in culinary field is preferred 
• Prior experience in high volume food production, restaurants or institutional food service 
• Pre-employment background check, drug test and
• Working knowledge of commercial grade kitchen equipment use, safety and maintenance 
• Strong communication skills and the ability to communicate with co-workers 
• Ability to work within a high-volume production kitchen with multiple programs operating in tandem 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Night and weekend availability required 
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 10 hours per day 
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds 
• Ability to maintain fast-paced activities for periods up to 6 hours in length 
• Ability to work within the following conditions: wet floors, extreme temperatures and loud noise 
• Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure 

NOTE:

This document is an outline of the primary tasks assigned and may be changed at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing. All team members are expected to assist DC Central Kitchen in achieving its goals even if such tasks are beyond the scope of this outline. The job description does not constitute an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

DC Central Kitchen is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and a Strengths-based organization.