Cook

Summary

This position serves as a Cook within the Nutrition and Food Services of the American Lake VA Medical Center - Tacoma - WA. The primary purpose of the Cook - WG-4 - is to prepare nutritious - high quality meals for service to the Veterans.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required - but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge - skills - and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element - which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions - Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Materials Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without more than normal supervision Work Practices Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience - including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. - Peace Corps - AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. - professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies - knowledge - and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience - including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Duties

• Major duties and responsibilities include: Weighs - measures - and assembles ingredients for regular and modified diets Cleans and sanitizes work areas - and performs deep cleaning tasks when needed Makes precise measurements and weights in preparing recipes and portioning food Prepares and heats convenience items such as frozen hash browns - fish fillets - and chicken nuggets Uses simple arithmetic - such as multiplying and dividing ingredients in a recipe when preparing food items for the correct serving amounts Performs a full range of simple cooking by preparing and cooking items that require little or no processing Prepares fresh - canned - and frozen vegetables Follow menus - production sheets and recipes to prepare items in the quantity needed Covers - dates - and stores food leftovers according to established local policies/procedures Weighs - measures - and assembles ingredients for regular and modified diets Operates a variety of kitchen equipment Disassembles and reassembles equipment for cleaning Operates industrial dish washing machine Monitors and maintains proper spacing of food products from floor - ceiling - and shelving to ensure adequate air flow and spacing of products for optimal food safety Prepares pureed foods and adjusts consistency with thickeners Washes - peels - and cuts fruits and vegetables Follows appropriate safety procedures in operating a variety of kitchen equipment Follows sanitary food handling procedures Applies knowledge of sanitation principles to safeguard food against spoilage and waste Work Schedule: Various shifts available
• To be discussed during interview
• Position Description Title/PD#: Cook/PD99819-S Physical Requirements: Continuous standing - walking - frequent bending - reaching - pushing and pulling
• Lifts or moves objects weighing up to 40 lbs unassisted and occasionally lifts or moves objects weighing more than 40 pounds with assistance of a lifting device or other workers
• Manipulates cumbersome - heavy objects - such as washing stainless steel mixing bowls - pushing heavy carts on casters or operating heavy equipment
• Possess manual dexterity to operate equipment and to handle sharp knives and blades safely
• Utilizes eye-hand coordination and the ability to concentrate and react quickly to serve food and operate equipment.