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Assistant Cook | Food Service Specialist

Santa Ana, CA
$49,019 - $60,029 a year

Start date:

02 Feb 2026

Job Type:

Full Time

Job Details

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated Assistant Cook to prepare wholesome, high-quality meals for patients, staff, visitors, and special events. This role involves following standardized recipes while maintaining strict sanitation, personal hygiene, and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment, adhering to unit safety and infection control protocols.
  • Prepare food by baking, roasting, broiling, and steaming meats, fish, vegetables, and other items as required.
  • Portion and slice food appropriately for serving, ensuring adherence to menu plans and sanitary standards.
  • Practice portion control and proper food storage to minimize waste.
  • Plan cooking schedules to ensure timely meal preparation and test food quality using approved methods.
  • Monitor food temperatures for safe storage and serving, and inspect for signs of contamination or spoilage.
  • Clean and sanitize work areas and equipment daily, documenting food production and leftovers accurately.
  • Assemble meal trays efficiently with attention to presentation.
  • Contribute to production planning by providing input on forecasting and recipe development.

Qualifications

  • Manual dexterity to skillfully operate kitchen utensils and equipment.
  • Numerical skills for calculating recipe yields and keen visual perception to assess food quality.
  • Strong knowledge of food items and consistent application of food safety and sanitation guidelines such as HACCP and ServSafe.
  • Ability to read and comprehend written instructions, recipes, and labels, and communicate effectively with team members.
  • Minimum of two years’ experience in hospital, institutional, or restaurant food preparation.
  • Preferred: At least one year of experience as a cook or assistant cook.

Education

  • High school diploma or equivalent experience preferred.

Certification

  • Culinary certification is preferred.
  • Food Handler card required within six months of employment.

All new hires must successfully complete a physical evaluation, drug screening, and background checks prior to starting work. This position is located in a regional healthcare setting within the Pacific Northwest.

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