ASSISTANT HEAD COOK

Code: 00558@ Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Assists the Head Cook in supervising and coordinating the activities of all Cooks and other food service personnel in preparing and cooking food in large quantities; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• May construct menus and the plan meals.
• Observes methods of food preparation, cooking and sizes of portions and sees that menus are followed and that proper quality and established standards are maintained in the preparation of food.
• Assigns and instructs Cooks and other food service personnel and supervises the performance of their work; sees that sanitary food handling practices are followed and assists in coordinating their assignments to insure economical and timely food preparation.
• Assists the Head Cook supervising the cutting of meats, baking, dessert and vegetable preparation; may personally cut meats, bake and prepare and cook food.
• May supervise or personally perform the distribution of food to wards, cottages, and dining areas and may be assigned to assist in serving of food.
• Ensures that proper standards of sanitation, housekeeping and safety are maintained within the food preparation, cooking and service areas at all times and instructs assigned personnel in proper practices and procedures.
• May prepare requisitions for food and other kitchen equipment and ensures that these are properly stored, distributed, prepared, recorded and used.
• May maintain time and other records concerning assigned employees and in keeping records of supplies and provisions ordered, amount of foods used and number of meals prepared.
• In the absence of the Head Cook assumes all of his/her duties, authority and responsibilities.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• REQUIRMENTS:

Experience

Three (3) years of experience as a cook involved in the preparation of a variety of foods in large quantities in the kitchen of a club, hotel, restaurant, hospital, or other institution, and which shall have included one (1) year of supervisory experience in a position embracing the responsibility for all phases of kitchen management.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in NJ only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the materials, methods, equipment and procedures used in preparing food in large quantities.
• Knowledge of food quality standards and methods for maintaining them in large quantity food preparation and service operations.
• Knowledge and skill in supervising a staff of cooks and food service personnel engaged in preparing meals for large numbers of persons.
• Ability to assume responsibility for the interpretation of menus and the preparation of meals for large numbers.
• Ability to plan work to make appropriate assignments, and to properly utilize personnel, equipment and supplies.
• Ability to assume responsibility for the safety and welfare of people and for the safeguarding of property, equipment and supplies.
• Ability to prepare reports and keeps records.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.