Prep Cook

The Meridian Center is a fun and beautiful venue where the citizens of Newton enjoy all different types of events. To work here is to be a part of the City of Newton's center of hospitality and exemplify servant leadership in treating our guests with the highest quality of care. This position plays an integral role in the successful operations of delivering and exceeding guest expectations. Join a dynamic and proud group of hospitality professionals!

This position is part-time benefits eligible and typically works 30 hours per week. The right candidate is eligible for a hiring bonus of $500 to be paid on the new employee's first paycheck, and another $500 to be paid after successful completion of one year of employment. 

Position Summary

The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting the chef in meal preparation for banquet style gatherings. Maintains a clean and orderly kitchen and back of house by washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, and taking out the trash. Must ensure that all product is properly stored. The Prep Cook is a valuable member of the Meridian Center Team and will be expected to assist in other duties as necessary. 

Essential Functions

• Wash and chop fruits and vegetables;
• Prepare and slice meat;
• Meal plating;
• Follow recipes with proper ingredient measurements;
• Complete all duties assigned by the chef;
• Sweep and mop kitchen floors;
• Adhere to nutrition and sanitation regulations and standards;
• Follow Meridian Center policies and procedures;
• Assist with ware washing, putting away deliveries, plus cleaning coolers, freezers, and storage rooms as needed;
• Assist with banquet room set up and clean up as needed;
• Other duties as assigned by the General Manager. 

Position Requirements 

Experience: One year of experience preferred. 

Education: High School diploma or equivalent preferred.

Skills: Demonstrated quality verbal and interpersonal communication skills; ability to work flexible hours as required, including nights/weekends. 

Problem Solving: Ability to analyze and solve problems; efficiently handle multiple duties under pressure with minimal supervision.

Decision Making: Ability to make decisions necessary to ensure the facility is clean and that all equipment and service ware is clean, safe to use, and properly stored.

Accountability: Employee is accountable for maintaining the cleanliness of the facility, equipment, and service ware, and for providing appropriate communication and reporting of same.

Personal Relations: Frequent contact with all levels of employee and some contact with the public exists in this position. A positive attitude, professional manner, and appearance is always expected.

Supervisory Responsibilities: none. 

Working Conditions: Work hours will include days, evenings, weekdays, and weekends. Subject to manual labor including exposure to cleaning chemicals. This position works primarily indoors but will be exposed to outside conditions at times.  

Physical Requirements: The Prep Cook physical job demands include: Frequent Balance; Occasional Bend; Occasional Bend/Crouch; Occasional Carry of up to 30 lbs. up to 30 feet; Occasional Crouch/Kneel; Frequent Grip of up to 20 lbs.; Occasional Lift of up to 30 lbs. from Floor to Waist; Frequent Lift of up to 5 lbs. from Waist to Waist; Occasional Horizontal Push/Pull of up to 30 lbs. up to 20 feet; Frequent Forward Reach; Occasional Overhead Reach; Frequent Stand; Frequent Walk. 

PDC Level: Medium

This description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.