Head Cook

Overview

To direct and supervise the total kitchen operation, including food preparation and service according to the daily menu for summer camp, conferences, and retreats.

Responsibilities

• Train and supervise kitchen staff to ensure efficient and safe food preparation and service.
• Estimate needs, order, receive, and store food supplies for summer camp, conferences, and retreats.
• Maintain accurate food inventory, including dry goods, frozen items, and cooler storage, to ensure efficient ordering and minimize waste.
• Cook, trim, portion, carve, bake, etc. Portion meats, vegetables, salads, breads, desserts, etc…
• Adhere special dietary restrictions.
• Prepare soups and gravies, and other menu items.
• Supervise kitchen staff, cooking, cleanliness, and scheduling of personnel engaged in food preparation.
• Proactively communicate essential information to Retreat Director, Camp Directors, and other staff to ensure seamless food service for conferences, retreats, and summer camp.
• Coordinate, and participate with, the assistant cooks and other kitchen personnel engaged in food preparation.
• Record quantities, types, and preparation methods of food served.
• Responsible for maintaining the organization and cleanliness of the dry food storage room, walk-in freezers, refrigerators, and pantry areas.
• Communicate with staff, guests, and vendors in a professional and courteous manner.
• During Summer Camp, arrange with Camp Directors for snacks, special events, and cleanliness.
• Ensure compliance with Pennsylvania Health Codes and other relevant regulations.
• Assist with menu planning and food ordering.
• Direct all deliveries of food and supplies for the kitchen.
• Bring all problems to the attention of the Retreat Director first.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ability to participate fully in the total camp program, including conferences and retreats.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Ability to communicate and work with groups.
• Ability to communicate and train staff in safety regulations and emergency procedures.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid.
• Cognitive ability to understand and interpret Health Code Standards.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing of work pace, shifting seamlessly from summer camp to retreat settings.

Conferences and Retreats Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Retreat Director to plan and execute customized menus for conferences and retreats.
• Prepare and present crafted, high-quality food, paired with outstanding customer service, that showcases a genuine passion for hospitality.
• Ensure timely and efficient food service for conferences and retreats.
• Maintain flexibility to accommodate changing conference and retreat schedules.
• Adapt to groups' unique needs and preferences to provide personalized service.
• Ensure attractive and appealing food presentation, and overall visual display, to enhance the dining experience.
• Go above and beyond to ensure customer delight and satisfaction.
• Accommodate dietary restrictions to the best of our ability.
• Act as a food runner, transporting food from warmers to the serving line in a timely and efficient manner
• Assist with serving food to guests when required, ensuring a high level of customer service and satisfaction

Staff Responsibilities:

• Clean living area daily.
• Be a team player.
• Willing to cooperate with all members of the staff regardless of their position.
• Committed to the growth of campers and guests spiritually, physically, educationally, emotionally, and socially.
• Maintain a high level of interaction with campers, guests, and staff.
• Be a constructive member of the staff, contributing in every way possible to the health, harmony, and happiness of the Camp Allegheny family.
• Pray that each camper and guest will come to know Christ as Savior, the Lord of Life, and to live in accord with the desires of the Holy Spirit.
• Voice criticisms to the Retreat Director first.
• Be in accord with camp aims and policies always being loyal to camp.
• Evaluate current season and make suggestions for following season.
• Assist where needed for the benefit of the campers, guests, and the smooth operation of camp.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• All three PA Clearances required upon employment and thereafter upon renewal date: PA Child Abuse History Clearance, Request for Criminal Record, and Fingerprint based federal criminal history.
• PA Mandated and Permissive Reporting and The Salvation Army’s KeepSAfe training required.

• Ability to work well with others, including staff, guests, and vendors.
• Neat and clean appearance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or Certified GED

• Experience as a cook, preferably in a large-scale food service operation.
• Training and experience in cooking for large groups
• Knowledge of standards of food preparation, serving, and kitchen procedures
• Must have a valid ServeSafe qualification

• Knowledge of health and fire codes a plus

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to bend, stoop, twist, and lift up to 50 lbs as needed