Job Description

About us:

From innovative menus and striking design to impeccable service and critical attention to detail, at Great Performances, we weave our mission into all we do. Serving New York City for over four decades Great Performances has evolved from a waitress staffing agency to the leading catering, events, and hospitality companies in the greater New York area. We provide food services in an array of celebrated New York City cultural institutions including Jazz at Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Wave Hill, and The Apollo Theater. We are known for full-service catering and events, corporate workplace dining and amenity programs, and large-scale event and festival production. Great Performances is the nation’s first caterer to own and operate an organic farm, Katchkie Farm located in Kinderhook, NY. Progressive from the start, we consistently set the pace for industry best practices.

We are seeking highly motivated and talented individuals to join our team and to support our vision, mission, and values through everything they do. If you share our passion and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply. 

Our Vision: Building Community to Better Our World

Our Mission: Unleash Joy through Genuine Hospitality

Our Core Values:

Craftsmanship: developing new menus, designs, and moments to deliver engaging experiences to our clients and guests.

People: creating fair access, opportunity, and advancement for everyone. Our employees are our greatest asset.

Sustainability: upholding and elevating standards for sustainable behaviors that support our planet.

Collaboration: aligning with our clients’, colleagues’, and community’s visions to execute a successful experience.

Doing Good through Food: engaging in action around food access, health and wellness, education, and philanthropy.

We are seeking a skilled, dependable, and experienced Cook to join our team at The Rockefeller University. The ideal candidate has strong experience in both food preparation and cooking, with the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of food quality, cleanliness, safety, and professionalism. This individual is adaptable, team-oriented, and passionate about delivering an excellent culinary experience through consistency, organization, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Cooking

• Prepare and cook menu items according to established recipes and quality standards. 
• Perform daily food prep, including chopping, portioning, and ingredient preparation. 
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and consistency throughout service. 

Kitchen Operations

• Assist with kitchen setup and breakdown for daily service. 
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation in compliance with health and safety regulations. 
• Ensure proper food storage, labeling, and rotation (FIFO). 

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with chefs and team members to ensure efficient workflow and timely service. 

Compliance & Safety

• Follow all company policies, procedures, and food safety guidelines. 

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience   in a professional kitchen, café, or food service environment.
• Proven experience in both cooking and food preparation required.
• Ability to step in and support multiple kitchen functions as needed.
• Strong knowledge of basic culinary techniques. 
• Excellent knife skills required.
• NYC Department of Health Food Protection Certificate a plus.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and stand for extended periods (at least 8 hours).
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of NYC Department of Health (DOH) guidelines and safe food handling practices required.
• Flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed.

Location: The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065.

Schedule:  Full Time, On-Site

Base salary: $21.85/hour

Benefits:  PTO, 401K, Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, Transit, Safe & Sick Time, and FSA (Flexible Spending Account)

Must be able to provide valid documentation that you are legally eligible to work in the United States.

Great Performances is an equal opportunity employer. At Great Performances we employ qualified individuals based solely on ability, training, and experience. Great Performances does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment or promotion based on race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Job Tags

Full time, Flexible hours, Weekend work, Afternoon shift, Early shift

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