Kitchen Assistant/Cook at Homewood Suites

Job Summary

The role of Kitchen Assistant & Cook is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and operations of the dishwashing, preparing menu items, supporting daily kitchen operations, and maintaining a clean and organized environment. This role includes assisting with ingredient preparation, monitoring inventory levels, caring for kitchen equipment, and help train new team members. The Cook ensures all tasks are completed in accordance with safety, sanitation, and food-handling policies and procedures while meeting St. Joe Hospitality standards.

Primary Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Assisting the Cook with the preparation of meal ingredients, which includes washing, cleaning, peeling, cutting, and chopping fruit, vegetables, poultry, and meat
• Properly cleaning and sanitizing all food preparation areas according to established standards of hygiene
• Washing and appropriately storing all cooking appliances, instruments, utensils, cutting boards, and dishes
• Sweeping and mopping the kitchen floors as well as wiping down kitchen walls
• Assisting with the unloading of delivered food supplies
• Organizing and correctly storing food supplies
• Promptly transferring meal ingredients from storage areas to the kitchen as per the Cook's instructions
• Maintain a clean and organized cooler with proper labeling methods for its contents
• Performing a weekly deep clean to ensure cleanliness and sanitization of area
• Removing and disposing trash
• Prepare and cook menu items according to standardized recipes and supervisor instructions
• Set up and break down assigned stations and ensure they are ready for service
• Assist with ingredient preparation, including washing, peeling, cutting, and chopping as needed
• Maintain proper cooking temperatures, times, and techniques to ensure consistency and quality
• Transfer ingredients and supplies to and from storage areas and coolers, ensuring proper storage, labeling, rotations, and inventory handling to prevent loss or waste
• Maintain St. Joe Hospitality standards for safety and sanitation while meeting or exceeding local, state, and federal health and safety regulations
• Maintain a general knowledge of guest offerings to answer basic questions when needed
• Report equipment issues, safety hazards, or maintenance concerns immediately
• Attend scheduled meetings and trainings and contribute suggestions for improvement
• All other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Sufficient education and literacy needed to identify and read product labels and to communicate with guests about job-related needs
• Experience in kitchen or stewarding preferred
• Proven experience assisting in kitchens preferred but not required
• A food handlers’ license/certification (may acquire after employment)
• Previous kitchen or culinary experience in a hotel, resort, or restaurant
• Culinary coursework or certification
• Ability to work well as part of a team and follow directions
• Comfort using knives and kitchen equipment safely
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness
• Ability to maintain professionalism and interact with guests in a friendly manner
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to read, write, speak, and communicate in basic English (preferred)
• Detail-oriented and thorough, consistently performing work to the highest of standards
• Ability to remain discreet and respect the privacy of guests
• Ability to interact with guests in a pleasant, friendly way
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle several tasks simultaneously
• Knowledge of basic kitchen operations and kitchen equipment, e.g. stove tops, meat slicers etc.
• Knowledge of food and health safety regulations with the ability to follow food and health safety regulations properly and diligently
• Ability to solve problems independently

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, bending, kneeling, stooping
• Must be able to lift 50lbs
• Ability to handle repetitive motions including chopping, stirring, and other food preparations tasks
• Ability to carry trays of food or supplies
• Ability to stand for the entire shift
• Frequent walking, bending, lifting, and carrying

Working Conditions

• Indoor
• Exposure to a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Exposure to a very noisy environment
• Exposure to high kitchen temperatures
• Exposure to sharp and dangerous tools/equipment