Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT) has an exciting opportunity for an innovative and community-driven Cook to prepare and cook nutritional meals for the Benu Community Home. This role will develop the menu via weekly or monthly meal planning and prepare daily meals for our guests at Benu Community Home.

ABOUT US

Africatown Community Land Trust works for community land ownership in the Central District. This supports the cultural and economic thriving of people who are part of the African diaspora in the Greater Seattle area. The Africatown Community Land Trust board comprises real estate professionals, business executives, entrepreneurs, business professionals and long-time community members from the Central District.

MISSON

To acquire, develop, and steward land in Greater Seattle to empower & preserve the

Black Community.

VISION

Vibrant and thriving black communities through land ownership.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Cook position will initially report to the Benu Programs Manager. This position will ensure that meal preparation deadlines and requests are met and adhere to approved budgets. The successful candidate will have the ability to work independently to prepare meals for up to 125 guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This position may work evenings and weekends to meet the business needs. Actual work schedule will be assigned upon hire.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Typical duties may include but are not limited to the following.

Meal Preparation

• Perform routine meal planning and preparation for cooked meals to feed 50-125 guests.
• Work collaboratively with Benu staff and guests.
• Follow recipes, including measuring, weighing and mixing ingredients.
• Bake, grill, steam and boil meats, vegetables, fish, poultry and other foods.
• Present, garnish and arrange final dishes.
• Occasionally serve food.
• Handle and store ingredients and food.
• Provide alternative substitutions for special diets or allergies of guests.
• Operate commercial kitchen equipment such as stove, broilers, ovens, grills, fryers, etc.

Food Safety and Compliance

• Follow health and safety protocols outlined by the Public Health Department and other program requirements
• Store food and drinks at proper temperature, follow temperature protocols
• Maintain a current food handler's permit.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area, including handling utensils, equipment and dishes
• Handle and store ingredients and food
• Maintain food safety and sanitation standards
• Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment and utensils
• Establish standard kitchen operation procedures for opening and closing the kitchen area.
• Set up workstations with required ingredients and equipment
• Check the quality and freshness of ingredients

Inventory and Ordering

• Maintain logs, any ordered food items, and kitchen supplies
• Monitor station inventory levels
• Ensure ingredients and final products are fresh

Administrative Duties

• Work with the volunteer group and attend meetings that include department, Benu, ACLT, community and government members in the programs
• Assist with ongoing training and support around kitchen and food prep best practices
• Maintain kitchen documentation for inventory received and used, recipes, food accommodations, and schedules.
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Three plus years of experience in a kitchen preparation in different positions with progressively increasing responsibility
• Experience serving 50 - 125people at a time
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to ACLT's mission, vision, and values
• Solid computer skills in MS Office, Google Suite, and meeting platforms
• Ability to work both as a member of a team and independently
• Reliable transportation and ability to pick up deliveries from grocers or partners
• Food handler's permit
• Basic knife skills and grill experience
• Proper kitchen equipment operation experience
• Handle stress and remain cool under pressure
• Flexible availability
• Able to lift 50 lbs.
• Experience working is a fast-paced environment and have an entrepreneurial spirit

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Five plus years of experience in the related area
• Hospitality management or culinary arts degree
• Local culinary vendor and resource knowledge
• Prior experience working in direct services or social services environment performing similar work
• Familiar with USDA, Seattle King County Public Health food standards and compliance requirements

BENEFITS

• 100% Employer paid Medical, Dental and Vision plans
• Annual Medical Reimbursement $1,000
• Eleven Holidays Paid
• Personal Holidays
• Generous Vacation and Sick Time Off
• Professional Development Assistance
• Work with talented and skilled ACLT Employees and Partners
• Contribute Positively to the Community

TO APPLY

1. Visit the ACLT Career site, https://www.africatownlandtrust.org/employment/
2. Submit an attaching Resume and Cover Letter that details how you qualify for the position and why you are interested in working at Africatown Community Land Trust.