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Cook

Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) — a world-renowned education and poverty-fighting organization based in New York — seeks an enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission-aligned Cook with the Promise Academy Kitchen Department.

The Culinary Team at HCZ works to transform how the community engages with food—by improving our nutrition environment and thinking more sustainably about what we eat through hands-on nutrition education in the garden and the kitchen, in the classroom, and in the boardroom.

The Cook at the Harlem Children’s Zone is responsible for cooking and preparing food for scholars and staff according to established recipes and production guidelines while ensuring compliance with food safety, handling, and sanitation procedures. The ideal candidate should have a strong culinary background and be proficient in the knowledge and use of kitchen equipment. In addition, the Cook oversees prep cooks while collaborating closely with the Kitchen Manager and Server to ensure a smooth and efficient kitchen operation.

For more information, check out Want to Work at Harlem Children’s Zone? Here’s 7 Things You Need to Know.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Proof of GED or High School diploma
  • Valid NYC DOH Food Protection Certificate (must be willing to obtain within the first thirty days of employment)
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience in the food service industry as a Cook

Who You Are

  • Culinary training or a degree in Culinary Arts is preferred
  • Must have extensive knowledge of food preparation and production for high-volume production. including restaurants and banquet facilities 
  • Must be knowledgeable of Health Department and other governmental agency regulation
  • Must have proven ability to lead and support the kitchen staff
  • Ability to work in a team environment and demonstrate excellent customer service
  • Must have good interpersonal and communication skills
  • Must be able to understand verbal and written instructions

What You'll Do

  • Follow menus, cooking instructions, and safety standards.
  • Execute daily menu preparation ensuring quality and quantity.
  • Ensure menu items are prepared and displayed in an attractive way
  • Consistently show knowledge of cooking equipment, food products, preparation methods, and portion sizes.
  • Stand for long periods of time, bend, kneel, and reach to store/retrieve supplies
  • Lift carry, and push supplies and boxes up to 50 pound

Schedule

  • Monday-Friday 
  • 6:00 AM- 2:30 PM

Benefits

As a member of the Harlem Children's Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families — and our staff — thrive. We offer highly competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth.

Our exceptional full-time benefits include: 

  • Highly competitive base salaries
  • Paid time off 
  • Employee referral bonus 
  • Career Advancement
  • No-cost health insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Short-and long-term disability
  • Additional voluntary benefits
  • Wellness discounts
  • Commuter benefits
  • Financial wellness perks
  • Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)

The salary range for this position is $48,000-$53,000 per year.  To be considered, interested applicants should apply directly through the posting. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. Harlem Children's Zone is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Average salary estimate

$50500 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$48000K
$53000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Cook, Harlem Children's Zone

Are you a passionate culinary expert looking to make a meaningful impact? The Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) is on the lookout for a dedicated Cook to join our dynamic Promise Academy Kitchen Department. At HCZ, we believe in transforming the community’s relationship with food, and as the Cook, you'll play a vital role in improving nutrition through hands-on education and delicious meal preparation. Your expertise will shine as you follow established recipes, ensuring that our scholars and staff enjoy meals that are not only tasty but also compliant with all food safety and sanitation standards. With at least three years in the food service industry, you'll oversee prep cooks while collaborating closely with the Kitchen Manager to streamline kitchen operations. A culinary degree is a bonus, and your knowledge of high-volume food production will be invaluable. You'll be preparing healthy and delectable meals, executing daily menu preparations, and creating an inviting kitchen environment. And let’s not forget, you'll be part of an inclusive team dedicated to supporting children and families. With a competitive salary of $48,000 - $53,000 and a comprehensive benefits package, this is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to grow while making a difference in the lives of those around you. If this sounds like the right fit for you, why not take that next step and apply today?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Cook Role at Harlem Children's Zone
What are the responsibilities of a Cook at Harlem Children’s Zone?

As a Cook at Harlem Children’s Zone, your primary responsibilities include preparing nutritious meals for our scholars and staff, following established recipes, and ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards. You'll oversee prep cooks and work closely with the Kitchen Manager to maintain efficient kitchen operations, guaranteeing that meals are both high-quality and appealing.

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What qualifications are required to become a Cook at Harlem Children’s Zone?

To qualify for the Cook position at Harlem Children’s Zone, you need proof of a GED or high school diploma and a valid NYC DOH Food Protection Certificate, which should be obtained within your first 30 days of employment. You should also have a minimum of three years of experience in the food service industry and preferably a degree in Culinary Arts.

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What skills are important for a Cook at Harlem Children’s Zone?

Critical skills for a Cook at Harlem Children’s Zone include extensive knowledge of food preparation methods, mastery of kitchen equipment, and the ability to lead kitchen staff effectively. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are also essential, as you will collaborate with your team to create a positive and productive environment.

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What does a typical work schedule look like for a Cook at Harlem Children’s Zone?

The Cook position at Harlem Children’s Zone typically follows a Monday to Friday schedule, with working hours from 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM. This allows for a structured environment conducive to consistent meal preparation for our scholars and staff.

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What benefits does Harlem Children’s Zone offer to their Cooks?

Harlem Children’s Zone offers a highly competitive salary ranging from $48,000 to $53,000, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, no-cost health insurance, life insurance, career advancement opportunities, wellness discounts, and various financial wellness perks. Joining our team means investing in your future while making a difference.

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Common Interview Questions for Cook
What is your experience with high-volume food preparation as a Cook?

In your answer, discuss any previous roles where you've worked in a busy kitchen, highlighting the specific volume of meals you prepared and any techniques you used to manage time and resources efficiently.

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How do you ensure food safety in a kitchen setting?

Talk about the food safety standards you follow, such as proper storage temperatures, sanitation practices, and your experience with food safety certification. It's essential to demonstrate your commitment to providing safe meals.

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Can you give an example of how you handled a challenging situation in the kitchen?

Provide a specific example of a time when you faced a challenge, such as equipment failure or staff shortages. Describe how you addressed the issue and what skills you used to overcome it, focusing on teamwork and effective problem-solving.

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What types of dishes are you comfortable preparing?

Detail the range of dishes you have experience with, especially those relevant to the mission of Harlem Children’s Zone. Feel free to mention your ability to adapt recipes to promote nutrition or accommodate dietary restrictions.

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How do you collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations?

Share your approach to effective teamwork within the kitchen, emphasizing communication, respect for each role, and a positive work environment that encourages cooperation and creativity.

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What motivates you to work at Harlem Children’s Zone?

Express your passion for making a difference in the community and alignment with HRZ’s mission. Highlight how your culinary skills can contribute to enhancing nutrition and education for children and families.

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Describe your experience with menu planning and preparation.

Illustrate your experience in menu planning, perhaps discussing how you consider nutritional guidelines, seasonal ingredients, and dietary needs in the development of meal plans.

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How do you handle feedback or criticism regarding your cooking?

In your response, demonstrate your openness to constructive feedback and your willingness to learn and improve as a Cook. This shows your commitment to excellence in your culinary craft.

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What do you know about the nutritional needs of children?

Discuss the importance of balanced nutrition for children’s growth and development. Mention any specific knowledge or experience you have with creating menus that meet these nutritional requirements.

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Are you familiar with dietary restrictions and how to accommodate them in meal preparation?

Provide examples of how you have accommodated dietary restrictions in the past, whether through gluten-free, vegetarian, or allergen-free options. This shows your awareness and adaptability as a Cook.

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MATCH
VIEW MATCH
DEPARTMENTS
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
No info
HQ LOCATION
No info
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 20, 2025

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