Sous Chef

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Sous Chef will oversee kitchen operations, assigned staff, provide nutritious meals, and program services for the Nisqually Indian Tribe.

This position ensures the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

• Maintain a high standard of cleaning/organization within kitchens, food trucks, and storage areas.
• Use cleaning materials as instructed by the Chef in line with health, safety and hygiene standards such as wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, washing hands frequently, and following food handling sanitation procedures.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
• Portion and wrap food or place it directly on plates for service to guests.
• Take and record the temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freezers.
• Prepare a variety of foods, such as meats, vegetables, or desserts, according to customers' orders or supervisors' instructions, following approved procedures.
• Place food trays over food warmers for immediate service or store them in refrigerated storage cabinets.
• Package take-out foods or serve food to customers.
• Stock cupboards and refrigerators.
• Wash, peel, and cut various foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to prepare for cooking or serving.
• Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.
• Cut, slice or grind meat, poultry, and seafood to prepare for cooking.
• Receive and store food supplies, equipment, and utensils in refrigerators, cupboards, and other storage areas.
• Weigh or measure ingredients.
• Inform Chef when equipment is not working properly and when food and supplies are getting low, and order needed items.
• Use manual or electric appliances to clean, peel, slice, and trim foods.
• Make special dressings and sauces as condiments.
• Mix ingredients for green salads, fruit salads, vegetable salads, and pasta salads.
• Keep records of the quantities of food used.
• Assemble meals in accordance with meal preparation guidelines and needs of clients.
• Distribute menus, collect diet sheets, and deliver food and snacks.
• Butcher and clean fowl, fish, poultry, and shellfish to prepare for cooking or serving.
• Prepare and serve a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
• Train new kitchen staff on standards and regulations

• Occasionally drive the food truck for events and gatherings.
• Assist in procurement shopping process alongside manager for community events and gatherings.

Manage and maintain a safe and effective work environment while helping lead an efficient kitchen working facility.

• Construct kitchen equipment and structures.
• Operate outdoor cooking equipment.
• Facilitate kitchen operations and duties in time of emergency needs for the community.
• Will work weekends, holidays, and extended hours for cultural events, Canoe Journey, Huckleberry camp, etc.
• Must attend daily operations discussion.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED
• Must have or be able to obtain a Food Handler's Permit within thirty (30) days of employment.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Culinary/Hospitality Degree, Certification, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with high volume and fast paced food preparation.
• Meal preparation/assembly experience.
• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

SUPERVISION

This position supervises, trains, and evaluates Cleaning Specialist. This position reports to the Chef Kitchen Manager.

COMPETENCIES

Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.

Knowledge of:

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) when using cleaning agents.
• Food safety standards.
• Knowledge of modern methods, materials, equipment used in large-scale food preparation and services.
• Knowledge of food service sanitation, health, safety, and storage principles and practices.
• Knowledge of operating commercial kitchen equipment.

Ability to:

• Maintain a positive, friendly demeanor while providing customer service.
• Follow orders and detailed instructions.
• Work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to prepare food in accordance with applicable standards.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment during summer and winter conditions for community functions.
• Ability to cook and process food for high volume/yield crowds.
• Ability to work individually and as a team.
• Ability to self-direct.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary responsibilities of this job. Work will be conducted indoor and outdoor and may be exposed to fluctuations in temperature while in and around Nisqually Indian Tribe. You may be exposed to all types of weather to include but not limited to summer heat, winter cold, humidity, rain, snow, wind, and any other weather conditions experienced at the property. May be exposed to normal conditions related to the position i.e., noise from vehicles, machines, tools, customers, employees, dust, pollen, odors, wildlife etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions; operate hand tools (may include operating heavy machinery), office machinery and motor vehicles. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 55+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus. Specific work assignments may change without notice.