Catering Culinarian

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Grand Rapids, MI, USA

USD 20-20 / hour

Posted 6+ months ago
Position: Catering Culinarian
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Job Id: 639
# of Openings: 1

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. Meijer Gardens is ranked among the 100 most visited art institutions in the world. The organization embraces the concept of a major cultural attraction centering around horticulture & sculpture. Meijer Gardens' commitment is to create a legacy of lifelong learning, enjoyment, and a rich cultural experience for generations to come.
Department: Culinary Arts & Events
Supervisor: Executive Sous Chef
Pay Type: Hourly, Full-time
Compensation: $20.00/hour
Position Summary: Execute day-of catered events and support all facets of food production, service, and distribution for on-premises operations. Uphold the highest standards of food sanitation, quality, and presentation, while ensuring seamless coordination and clear communication with the Catering Events Chef, fellow culinarians, and Front of House staff. Operate effectively both independently and collaboratively to consistently meet established expectations for excellence in quality, productivity, professionalism, and customer service, in alignment with a best-in-class operation.

Essential Functions
  • Ensure recipe accuracy and portion control during food preparation and execution.
  • Monitor product freshness and uphold quality standards for food production, presentation, and distribution.
  • Maintain organized inventory by following standard operating procedures, including stock rotation, portion control, and waste documentation.
  • Plan and execute food service in alignment with established procedures.
  • Support proper storage and maintenance of kitchen equipment and small wares.
  • Perform daily setup, cleanup, and sanitation of food service areas in accordance with established guidelines.
  • Assist in the coordination, preparation, and execution of concessions food service for summer concerts.
  • Maintain current ServSafe Certification and comply with all food safety guidelines.
  • Demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills; complete tasks efficiently and on time.
  • Work independently with reliability, punctuality, and minimal supervision.
  • Foster a positive kitchen culture through professionalism, and respectful, open communication.
  • Collaborate with the Catering Events Chef to uphold and enhance all culinary standards.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Education and / or Qualifications preferred:
  • Experience: Minimum of 2 years, back of house, high volume work experience in a catering culinary setting.
  • Skills/Knowledge/Licenses:
    • ServSafe Certification preferred.
    • Strong focus on time management, sense of urgency, quality standards and customer service.
Organizational Expectations
  • Embrace Meijer Gardens’ mission to promote the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.
  • Embrace the organization’s non-profit status and commitment to serving and treating the public with dignity and working with a broad and diverse group of employees, volunteers, members, and guests in a respectful and professional manner.
Working Conditions: Basic mobility is expected in offices, grounds, and exhibition areas. Ability to observe details at close range and communicate information accurately with others. Engage in occasional object manipulation with or without assistance and efficiently navigate the workspace to access essential resources. Ability to regularly move up to 20 pounds, and frequently up to 50 pounds (i.e., load, unload, and move supplies, medium to heavy weight tools, and equipment). Occasionally ascends/descends a ladder. This job operates in a professional indoor kitchen environment, across grounds, and exhibition areas. Occasionally, may be required to work outdoors under inclement weather conditions. Frequently handle sharp and hot objects.
As part of our onboarding process, all new hires are required to complete our background check.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

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