Cook/Chef

Who is New Leaf Community Markets?

New Leaf Community Markets opened its doors as a small cooperative in 1+85 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: Food Service Cook

Department: Food Service

Reports To: Kitchen Manager or Prepared Foods Manager

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Cooks are 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.
Follows all company's recipes, and portion sizes when preparing foods following exact specifications.
Mixes ingredients for green salads, fruit salads, and potato salad.
Prepares cold sandwiches and cheeses.
Works saut line, grill, pizza oven, and other cook-to-order stations.
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 the company's stringent standards.
Some dishwashing is required.


Customer Service Skills

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. 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-year certificate from college or technical school; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, Cooks are regularly required to stand, walk, talk or hear, and taste or smell. Cooks are frequently required to sit and use their hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, or tools. Cooks are occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop. 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.