What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Garde Manger / Events Assistant / Pastry Assistant position at The Spence School?
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION
The Spence School is an independent girls’ school in New York City serving students in grades K–12. We are seeking an Assistant Garde Manger / Events Assistant / Pastry Assistant to join our kitchen team at the Middle/Upper School campus, where we serve over 500 students (grades 5–12) and 125 faculty and staff daily.
Our employees are compassionate, collaborative, and dedicated professionals who bring respect and care into every interaction with members of the community. We are committed to high ethical standards and to supporting the emotional and physical well-being of our community. Our kitchen emphasizes fresh, scratch-cooked food, global flavors, sustainability, and nutrition education.
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic prep cook with 3–5 years of professional kitchen experience in restaurants, schools, or catering environments. This is a fast-paced, hands-on role ideal for someone who enjoys variety, teamwork, and creativity. This position reports to the Lead Garde Manger and supports daily salad production, assists with pastry preparation, and helps with catered events.
Flexibility, initiative, and a positive attitude are essential. Every day is different, and a willingness to jump in wherever needed is key to success in this role.
Required Qualifications
- Degree in Culinary Arts preferred
- 3–5 years of professional cooking experience; high-volume cooking experience strongly preferred
- Strong food prep skills and knowledge of diverse cuisines
- Experience with salad bars, cold food production, and pastry assistance
- Solid understanding of food safety and sanitation (HACCP / ServSafe)
- Collaborative, flexible, and hardworking with a positive attitude
- Passion for food, sustainability, and feeding a school community
- Friendly, engaging, and community-oriented
- Commitment to providing excellent customer service
- Ability to maintain a consistently professional, positive, and productive work environment
- Assist with daily prep for salad bar, pastry, as well as special events
- Communicate closely with the Garde Manger to support food preparation needs
- Demonstrate strong time management and the ability to execute tasks accurately and on schedule in a fast-paced environment
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation
- Support lunch service, including replenishing salad bars and assisting other stations as needed
- Help maintain cleanliness in dining and service areas
- Assist with catered events, including prep, set-up, execution, and breakdown
- Support overall kitchen cleanliness, including equipment, storage, and front of house
- Participate in deep cleaning projects as time allows
- Follow sustainable practices and comply with all food safety and quality standards
- Meaningful work: Cook fresh, thoughtful food that directly supports students’ health, learning, and well-being.
- Great schedule: Primarily weekday hours (7a.m.–3 p.m.) with some evenings and weekends.
- Scratch cooking: Be part of a kitchen that values quality ingredients, global flavors, and cooking from scratch.
- Supportive team culture: Work alongside collaborative, respectful colleagues who enjoy what they do.
- Creative input welcomed: Menus change regularly, and new ideas are encouraged and appreciated.
- Community-focused environment: Build relationships with students, faculty, and staff in a welcoming school setting.
To Apply:
- Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to kitchen@spenceschool.org (No phone calls, please.)