Who is New Leaf Community Markets?

New Leaf Community Markets opened its doors as a small cooperative in 1985 on the Westside of Santa Cruz. We learned early on, that the well-being of our guests, staff, and community starts with sustainable, locally-produced food. Farm-to-table all the way! We’ve partnered with open-minded producers who care as deeply about our people, the planet, and social justice as we do, from day one.

Our mission is to be a purveyor of good – from offering the best local and natural foods to taking care of our staff, community, and environment. We love what we do, and we know that it’s our passionate staff who make it all possible. We’re committed to taking care of our people by leading the way with progressive employment practices.

Every day, we work to create an atmosphere of openness, caring, trust, and fairness – a place where staff can thrive, and differences are celebrated. As a member of the New Leaf Community Markets team, you can count on an inclusive, friendly environment and a welcoming group of inspired individuals who love people, great food, and being a part of a community gathering place.

Ingredients You’ll Bring to the Table:
You love food and have the ability to create an experience that is beyond the everyday. You have a positive attitude and work well in a team environment. You can connect with people and reach a level of hospitality that exceeds guests’ expectations. You are warm, outgoing, authentically amazing, and want to be inspired, challenged, and proud of where you work.

You embody the spirit of New Leaf Community Market's core values: Community, Integrity, Sustainability, Quality, and Respect; and you are driven by our mission to nourish and sustain our community by using business as a force for change.

What’s on Your Plate:

Job Title: Prep Cook

Department: Kitchen

Reports To: Kitchen Manager or Prepared Foods Manager

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Prep Cook is responsible to perform duties and responsibilities listed below (other duties may be assigned):

Preps, prepares and cooks all items needed for daily orders. Requisition supplies daily.
Mixes ingredients for green salads, fruit salads, and potato salad.
Washes, peels, cuts, and seeds vegetables and fruits.
Cleans, cuts, and grinds meats, poultry, and seafood.
Dips food items in crumbs, flour, and batter to bread them.
Stirs and strains soups and sauces.
Follows the FIFO rotation system (First in, First out). Covers, labels, and dates all leftover foods. Utilizes leftover foods before opening new products.
Inspects food and food preparation; including measuring temperatures throughout the preparation process, to maintain quality and sanitation by the FDA and local health departmental codes and company’s stringent standards.
Some dishwashing is required.

Customer Service Skills

Prep Cooks are expected to provide customer service that is extra ordinary and exceeds the expectations of our customers. They are required to follow established policies and guidelines that go beyond simply smiling and greeting customers. Going above and beyond encompasses attitudes, respect, and flexibility. Prep Cooks are expected to have a positive “can-do” attitude; treat others with respect; and easily adjust to changes in the workplace.

Education and/or Experience

One to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, Prep Cooks are regularly required to stand, walk, talk or hear, and taste or smell. Prep Cooks are frequently is required to sit and use their hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, or tools. Prep Cooks are is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop. Prep Cooks must occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Why You’ll Love Working at New Leaf Community Markets

Amazing Benefits Package – Including comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and 401k at 28 hours a week.
Great earning potential with the opportunity for growth within our family of brands
Paid Parental Leave available
Lifestyle Scheduling
Public Transport Benefits
Paid Community Service Hours
30% discount at all New Leaf Community Markets, Bristol Farms, and Lazy Acres Natural Market locations

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site