Assistant Chef

The Department

The Human Services Department (HSD) delivers and supports services by forging long-term community partnerships, engaging with and building the capacity of the community to do its own problem-solving, and leveraging financial and volunteer resources.

The Position

The HSD is looking for Assistant Chefs to join the crews at the City-operated Age Well Centers at Lake Elizabeth and South Fremont. Under direction of the Chef/Food Services Manager, the Assistant Chefs must be comfortable with working independently, performing daily kitchen operations while fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment that brings together young adults with disabilities and older adult volunteers. This position will guide and motivate volunteers and help ensure that all participants have meaningful opportunities to contribute and develop new workplace skills.

The Assistant Chefs may substitute for the Chef/Food Service Manager in the latter's absence.

Examples of Job Duties

• Assist with receiving, storing, and maintaining inventory of food, ingredients, and kitchen supplies; purchase urgently needed items from off-site locations as necessary.
  
• Clean food service equipment such as dishes, flatware, pots, pans, serving equipment, stoves, sinks and floors, and return food service equipment to correct location after use/cleaning.
  
• Prepare raw ingredients, cook food, and assist with meal preparation and service.
  
• Support and coordinate kitchen operations, including menu planning, food preparation, and inventory and resource management.
  
• Develop and support additional meal programs, including, but not limited to fundraisers, catering events and cooking demonstrations and special events.
  
• Oversee and support a volunteer maintained garden.
  

Experience

• Eighteen (18) months of experience in food preparation in a quantity food services facility. Course work in a culinary program and/or an accredited vocational institution which includes quantity food preparation, equipment sanitation, and safe work practices may be substituted for six months of the required experience.
  

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements

• This position requires the ability to travel independently within City limits, so possession of a valid California Class C Driver s License is required at time of appointment.
  
• A valid California Food Handler Certificate and negative Tuberculosis (TB) test is required prior to employment.
  

Ideal Candidate

The Assistant Chef will have knowledge of foods commonly used in quantity meal preparation, kitchen cleaning techniques, and be able to use knives, scissors and other kitchen cooking implements. The successful candidate must have the ability to prepare foods according to verbal and written instructions. This position will help create a positive and fun atmosphere where young adult and older adult volunteers feel valued.

Highly Desirable

Knowledge of kitchen budgeting, cost-effective menu development, food cost management, and operational efficiency.