Great role for experienced cooks and chefs who are looking to work with a dynamic and expanding team. Offers a flexible schedule to pick up shifts for events. Need to build a team for this season, that is reliable and able to work the events onsite at various cities and locations around the Bay Area and Northern California, as well as, some shifts in the kitchen in Oakland for preparations leading up to the events. Generally staff who work the prep will also work the event, shift options vary, so please apply below if you have weekend availability and enjoy working in an exciting fast paced environment, with a variety of menus. We generally offer carpool or other transportation options, and have several events in the coming months. If your resume does not list all relevant experience with events please add to the application responses. Thank you!
About Events
Our Events team is dedicated to creating connection and community. Our commitment provides interpersonal gatherings by pairing food with people in the moment one event at a time, at every step of the process. Whether it be drop off platters for a small backyard gathering, an office happy hour, a full service wedding or corporate holiday party, we are dedicated to bringing the source, season, and people together in harmony to create lasting memories for all our clients.
Position Overview
The Event Cook participates in the preparation and execution of delicious dishes to the exact chef s specifications for event menus at the commissary kitchen. Event cooks (Commissary) will support at the Kitchen in Oakland, and the Event Cooks (Onsite) will work at events, to support the Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Lead Event Cook and others as directed. This role will perform basic prep skills, monitor inventory and assist in creation of all craft items, including in-house sauces, condiments, etc. A great event cook will be ambitious, quick and diligent, with an openness to learning, collaborating, and adapting on the job. They will be deft and able to follow instructions as well as all health and safety rules in the kitchen. The ideal candidate will also be able to function in a fast-paced, busy environment as a part of a team. The Event Cook will play a key role in contributing to our customer satisfaction and acquisition goals. Additionally, this role will assist in supporting the team in prep and production, inventory systems and storage, time and temperature logs, and opening/closing checklists.
Responsibilities
-Assist in the receiving and proper storage of all orders/inventory
-Assist in completing opening and closing duties
-Ensures time, temperature, and labeling standards are achieved
-Follow the prep lists and guidance of EC and CDC, and be open to sharing input by bringing valuable questions to the team.
-Set up and stocking stations with all necessary supplies
-Execute dishes of multiple cuisines from start to finish, and cook menu items in cooperation with the rest of the event staff
-Ensure that food comes out simultaneously, in high quality and in a timely fashion
-Measure ingredients and seasonings to be used in cooking
-Prepare cooking ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables, cutting meat etc.
-Undertake basic cooking duties such as reducing sauces, parboiling food etc.
-Clean up station and take care of leftover food
-Assist in maintaining a clean and orderly kitchen by washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, taking out trash etc.
-Ensure all food and other items are stored properly
-Comply with nutrition and sanitation regulations and safety standards
-Perform other kitchen duties as assigned
-Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers and customers
Qualifications & Requirements
-2+ years experience in a formal kitchen environment with a passion for food and people
-Basic understanding of professional cooking and knife handling skills, local and seasonal ingredients and diverse cooking styles and cultures
-Proven cooking experience, including experience as a Line Chef, Restaurant Cook or Prep Cook, with ability to operate cutting tools and kitchen utensils
-Accuracy and speed in executing assigned tasks
-Familiar with industry’s best practices
-Excellent understanding of professional cooking and knife handling skills
-Extremely organized and disciplined with ability to multi-task
-Positive attitude, strong work ethic, communication and patience, with an ability to stay calm under pressure
-Fun to be around
-Ability to be a self-sufficient problem solver and make sound decisions on-the-fly, and know when to ask for help.
-Strong written and verbal communication skills
-Attendance and punctuality is required with schedule flexibility determined by needs
-Understanding and knowledge of safety, sanitation and food handling procedures.
-Heavy Lifting of boxes containing produce/meat - Able to lift 50+lbs
-Basic ServSafe certification
-Bonus: Valid CA Driver’s License and experience driving commercial vans
Compensation & Benefits
-$23-$25/hour (depending on experience) plus tips!
-Competitive salary / wages in an equitable tiered pay structure for all employees. Tipping varies depending on Event
-All employees receive a 401K retirement account and Commuter Benefits (after 90 day introductory period)
-Meals provided daily onsite at the commissary kitchen in Oakland
-Opportunity to develop your skills, work with amazing people and together to make an impact within the community to change the world!
-Opportunity to pick up other shifts occasionally as needed with the office catering team relevant to your experience
Schedule & Expectations
Seasonal, Flexible and Variable - Typical schedules vary, and may include weekends for event execution, depending on event schedule. We care deeply about work life balance and will work with you to ensure a manageable work schedule. You are responsible for managing your schedule, based on your shift availability, with your supervisor.
We need reliable experienced chefs that will be able to work onsite events this season. We cater events in the Bay Area and Northern California. Preferably experienced, Line & Lead Line Cooks will work in the Kitchen in Oakland to prepare for the event, and then onsite for event execution.
To Apply
Please apply by following this link to our job posting, then select Apply For This Job to complete the online application.
About Just Fare
Just Fare is building a just world where food is a force for social change. We make good food — for people who enjoy eating, and for those who want a more equitable and just food system. Based in Oakland, CA, we offer food services for the workplace, event catering, design commercial kitchens and food programs, and operate a community kitchen. We ground everything we do in service of creating a more responsible and ethical world.
1% of our revenue supports donated meals made by our charitable arm, Just Fare Community Kitchen. So far, we have delivered over 410,100 meals to communities fighting food insecurity in the Bay Area.
Tastes good. Does good.