Essential Functions

• Prepare, cook, portion, and present menu items according to established recipes and standards.
• Set up, maintain, and clean assigned cooking stations.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, temperature control, and storage procedures.
• Wash, cut, chop, season, and prepare ingredients as needed.
• Safely operate grills, fryers, ovens, slicers, and other commercial kitchen equipment.
• Properly label, date, rotate, and store food products.
• Assist with receiving, stocking, inventory, and storage of food and supplies.
• Maintain clean and sanitary kitchen equipment, work areas, and floors.
• Report food shortages, equipment issues, and safety concerns to management.
• Support kitchen and café team members during regular service, conferences, and special events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic food preparation, cooking, sanitation, and food safety practices.
• Ability to follow recipes, portion standards, and written or verbal instructions.
• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong communication, organization, dependability, and time-management skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No regular supervisory responsibilities. May assist with training new employees or volunteers as directed by management.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in a commercial kitchen and requires prolonged standing and walking, frequent bending and reaching, and the ability to safely lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds. Regular exposure to heat, steam, fryers, ovens, sharp utensils, refrigerated areas, and wet or slippery surfaces. Schedule may include mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, conferences, and special events.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous restaurant, café, catering, or commercial kitchen experience preferred.
• Food-handler or food-safety certification preferred or ability to obtain if required.
• Ability to meet the physical and scheduling requirements of the position.

Success Factors

Demonstrates integrity, dependability, teamwork, attention to quality and cleanliness, and a servant-hearted attitude. Receives instruction and correction well, takes appropriate initiative, and supports MorningStar Ministries' Christ-centered culture of hospitality, excellence, and service.