Assistant Cook

Job Overview:
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Assistant Cook to support our culinary team. The Assistant Cook supports daily kitchen operations at our South Philadelphia campus. The role prepares ingredients, cooks assigned items, serves meals for students and staff, and maintains strict sanitation standards. The Assistant Cook works independently for parts of the day and leads the kitchen when the Head Chef is off-site. The work takes place in a school setting with children and teens, so you must maintain a professional, calm, and respectful presence at all times.

Title: Assistant Cook
Reports to: Head Chef
Salaried: No
Management: No
Exempt: No

Duties and Key Responsibilities:

Food Preparation and Cooking

• Prepare ingredients and produce assigned menu items.
• Cook with standardized recipes or work independently when needed.
• Follow all food safety, temperature, and storage rules.

Inventory and Supplies

• Receive deliveries and store ingredients correctly.
• Track inventory and report supply needs.

Sanitation and Cleanliness

• Keep all kitchen areas clean and organized during and after service.
• Wash dishes and clean equipment, surfaces, and floors.
• Maintain equipment and workstations in proper condition.

Daily Operations

• Support daily setup and closing routines.
• Work independently with minimal direction and lead shifts when assigned.
• Maintain a calm, professional presence around students and staff.
• Arrive on time for all scheduled shifts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum two years of paid experience in a commercial kitchen.
• Strong cooking and food preparation skills for high-volume service.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and lead a shift.
• Reliable attendance and strong punctuality.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation.
• Must pass federal and state background checks, child abuse clearances, drug screening, and required school-related checks.
• Ability to lift, stand, and move throughout the shift.

Preferred Qualifications

• ServSafe certification.
• Experience working near children or in a school environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Schedule and Compensation

• Hourly at $16.00 to $17.50 based on experience and demonstrated kitchen skills.
• Seasonal full-time. Not a 52-week position.
• This role follows the School's operating calendar and includes a scheduled unpaid break period of approximately six weeks each year.
• This role receives hourly pay for hours worked. Holiday pay is not available.
• Sick time accrues at one hour per 40 hours worked per Philadelphia statute.
• This role typically works daytime and afternoon hours on weekdays and a Saturday shift. The schedule may adjust when class schedules or program needs change.

This role is ideal for individuals passionate about culinary arts who are eager to grow their skills within a professional setting. The Assistant Cook will play an integral part in delivering high-quality dining experiences while adhering to safety and quality standards.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Rock School for Dance Education values the richness that diversity brings to our community. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and identities. We do not discriminate based on age, ancestry, citizenship, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Individuals who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, or members of other underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.

Organizational Mission

The Rock School develops the whole dancer, enabling students to reach the highest standards of technique and artistry in a nurturing, supportive environment that elevates the art form, the dancer, and the audience.

About The Rock School

The Rock School for Dance Education is a Pennsylvania nonprofit institution recognized as one of the leading pre-professional ballet programs worldwide. The School serves more than 1,200 students each year and provides training that blends technical excellence with a supportive environment for young artists. The Rock School also supports major community arts programs for Philadelphia youth, including long-standing partnerships with under-resourced public schools through its RockReach program. Additionally, the School awards more than $1.6 million in scholarships and offers performance and outreach opportunities that enrich the lives of students, families, and the broader community.

Pay: $ $17.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person