Convention Center Cook

Job Summary

Position Summary

The Convention Center Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality food in a fast-paced, high-volume food production environment. This position supports banquet events, catered functions, concessions, and other food service operations throughout the convention center. The ideal candidate works efficiently under pressure, maintains consistent food quality, and follows all food safety and sanitation standards.

Essential Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present food according to established recipes, production standards, and portion requirements.
• Support high-volume food production for conventions, banquets, meetings, catered events, and daily food service operations.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing multiple tasks while maintaining quality and accuracy.
• Set up and stock production areas, serving lines, and food stations.
• Prepare ingredients by chopping, portioning, measuring, mixing, and other required methods.
• Monitor food temperatures, cooking times, portions, and product quality.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary work areas in accordance with food safety requirements.
• Properly store, label, rotate, and handle food products to minimize waste and ensure freshness.
• Assist with receiving, stocking, and organizing food and kitchen supplies as needed.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and other culinary and food service team members.
• Follow all applicable health, safety, sanitation, and workplace procedures.

Potential Concession Stand Responsibilities

Depending on event needs, this position may also be assigned to a concession stand or event food outlet, including:

• Preparing and cooking menu items for high-volume concession service.
• Maintaining adequate food levels during events and replenishing products as needed.
• Working efficiently during peak periods and large crowds.
• Operating or assisting with concession equipment and food service stations.
• Maintaining cleanliness, food safety, and proper product handling throughout service.
• Assisting with opening, closing, stocking, and breakdown of concession areas.

Job Summary

Qualifications

• Previous commercial kitchen, restaurant, catering, banquet, or institutional food service experience preferred.
• Ability to work efficiently in a high-volume production environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physically demanding kitchen duties.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move food products, equipment, and supplies as required.
• Strong teamwork, communication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during large events.

Work Environment

This position operates in a fast-paced, high-volume convention and events environment. Cooks may work in production kitchens, banquet kitchens, concession stands, and other event food service areas. The position may involve extended periods of standing, exposure to heat and kitchen equipment, and working under time-sensitive conditions during large events.