Buffet Cook

Full-Time Buffet Cook – Retreat Dining Services, National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL.

If you love preparing buffet‑style meals for groups, enjoy creating new recipes, and thrive in a positive Christian work environment, we'd love to meet you. The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows is seeking a Full‑time Buffet Cook to join our Retreat Dining Services team.

This role offers:

• A supportive, faith‑centered atmosphere

• Opportunities to be creative with menu planning

• Consistent hours with no late evenings

• A chance to serve guests and retreat groups with hospitality and care

If you're passionate about cooking and want a workplace where your talents make a meaningful impact, this could be a wonderful fit.

This role plays a key part in creating a welcoming, nourishing experience for all who visit.

Key Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation - Prepare, cook, and serve tasty, nutritious buffet‑style meals in a timely manner.

• Guest Service - Provide attentive, friendly service during meals and respond to guest needs with Christian hospitality.

• Kitchen Safety - Maintain high standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and safety throughout the kitchen and dining areas.

• Event Support - Assist with meal service for additional Shrine functions as needed.

• Weekend Availability - Work some weekends as part of the regular schedule.

Qualifications

• Composure Under Stress - Ability to remain calm and focused during busy meal periods.

• Problem-Solving - Demonstrates sound judgment and effective decision‑making.

• Open-Mindedness - Willingness to listen to and respect the opinions of others.

• Christian Hospitality - Shows kindness, respect, and care toward guests and coworkers.

• Team Support - Eager to learn, grow, and assist the Lead Cook and Food Service Assistants as needed.

Education and Experience

• High school education or equivalent preferred.

• Food service leadership skills - Ability and aptitude to oversee staff in food preparation, hospitality, meal service, and clean‑up procedures.

• Sanitation certification - Must hold a valid State Sanitation Certification or be willing to obtain certification after hire; passing the exam is required for continued employment.

• Sanitation knowledge - Familiarity with proper sanitation procedures and ability to train assistants in sanitary practices.

• Equipment safety - Knowledge of safe and proper use of kitchen equipment and ability to instruct assistants in correct usage.

• Professional communication - Demonstrates courtesy, tact, and respect when interacting with guests and coworkers.

• Adaptability - Willingness to take on varied assignments and accept reassignment to different tasks as directed by the Lead Cook.

Physical Demands

• Active physical work - Requires extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and stooping.

• Lifting and movement - Involves pushing and pulling carts and lifting pots, pans, boxes, and other kitchen items as needed.

• Temperature exposure - Regular exposure to hot and cold temperatures in kitchen and storage areas.

This is a full‑time position (40 hours per week) with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Short‑term disability

• Long‑term disability

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Paid holidays

Must pass background check and pre-employment drug testing