Prep Cook, Culinary Team

Position Overview

The Prep Cook is an essential member of KIPP NYCs Culinary Team supporting the preparation and service of fresh high-quality meals for students and staff each school day. Reporting to the Head Chef or Sous Chef this role helps prepare breakfast lunch and snacks for school communities ranging from approximately 350 to 1350 students and staff depending on the campus.

The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients supporting meal production maintaining a clean and organized kitchen and ensuring all food is prepared in accordance with the highest standards of food safety sanitation and quality. While previous commercial kitchen experience is preferred KIPP NYC welcomes candidates who are eager to learn take pride in their work and are committed to serving students through healthy delicious meals.

This role requires a dependable team-oriented professional who believes that every meal is an opportunity to support student health learning and well-being.

Duties and Responsibilities:

General responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Food Preparation & Meal Service

• Prepare fresh fruits vegetables salads and other menu components in accordance with standardized recipes and production schedules.
• Assist with preparing ingredients and food items for breakfast lunch snack service and special events.
• Portion and serve meals to students and staff while providing a welcoming respectful and customer-focused experience.
• Maintain knowledge of menu items ingredients allergens and proper food preparation techniques.
• Support catering events special meal functions and other culinary initiatives as assigned.
• Assist in all areas of food production and meal service based on operational needs.

Food Safety & Kitchen Operations

• Maintain assigned workstations in a clean organized and sanitary condition throughout the workday.
• Follow all Department of Health (DOH) USDA HACCP and KIPP NYC food safety sanitation and cleaning procedures.
• Practice proper care cleaning and maintenance of kitchen equipment and tools.
• Follow all food handling storage labeling and temperature control procedures.
• Maintain acceptable standards of personal hygiene and adhere to department dress code requirements.
• Report equipment issues maintenance needs and safety concerns promptly to the Head Chef or Sous Chef.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the culinary team to ensure efficient meal preparation and service.
• Support kitchen setup service cleanup and daily operational tasks.
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting wherever needed to ensure successful meal service.
• Maintain regular dependable attendance and contribute to a positive team environment.

Working Conditions

• Regular exposure to temperature variations moisture steam and wet working conditions.
• Frequent standing walking bending reaching lifting and repetitive hand motions.
• Ability to lift and move supplies equipment and food items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to heat from ovens burners steam tables and other commercial kitchen equipment.
• Exposure to cutting and slicing equipment and machinery with moving parts.
• Exposure to moderate to high noise levels during meal preparation and service.
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and follow all kitchen safety procedures.

Qualifications :

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience working in a commercial kitchen school nutrition program restaurant or food service environment preferred but not required.
• Fundamental understanding of food safety sanitation and cleanliness practices or willingness to learn.
• Knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment and safe food preparation techniques preferred.
• Food Handlers Certification preferred but not required upon hire.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team-oriented environment while maintaining high standards of quality and customer service.
• Strong interpersonal skills that contribute to a collaborative respectful and positive work environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently while supporting team goals.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role including standing for extended periods; carrying bending stretching stooping pushing pulling and lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Resourceful adaptable and willing to support all aspects of kitchen operations to ensure high-quality meal service.
• Demonstrates professionalism by modeling KIPP NYCs core values of zest grit hope love social intelligence gratitude and a sense of humor in all interactions with students families colleagues and community members.
• Believes that food is an expression of care and is committed to providing students with fresh nutritious and high-quality meals every day.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning professional growth and continuous improvement by actively seeking and applying constructive feedback.
• Deep commitment to KIPP NYCs mission and belief that every student deserves access to healthy high-quality meals that support joyful academically excellent schools.

Additional Information :

Compensation & Benefits:

KIPP NYC offers an hourly rate of $18.00 $20.00. Hourly ranges at KIPP NYC are standardized by role level and function and individual rates are determined with an equity lens taking into account years of relevant experience.

KIPP NYC offers a generous benefits package including but not limited to the following:

• Robust benefits include medical dental and vision. 
• Generous time off including 5 school vacation weeks sick and personal days and an extended summer break. 
• Up to 12 weeks of 100% parental leave. 
• Bright Horizon Back-up Child and Elder Care.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance and Short-term/Long-term disability.
• Employee incentives include an 8-week paid Sabbatical after 10 years annual professional development funds and tuition reimbursement.

This description is intended to describe the type of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the employee.

This role is based in NYC and will require travel to our schools. If you relocate outside of a commutable distance or out of the state of NY your employment will be subject to review which may include separation from KIPP NYC. You must notify HR if you move or have plans to relocate.

KIPP NYC LLC does not offer visa sponsorship or work authorization. 

KIPP NYC LLC is committed to creating a welcoming environment that includes employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving students and families throughout New York City. 

KIPP NYC LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIPP NYC LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time