DPS - TOD - Senior Cook - 8119

Senior CookPerforms advanced (senior-level) food preparation work. Work involves planning, preparing, seasoning, and cooking food; monitoring inventories and records of food consumption; and making recommendations for improvement. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.Essential duties include:Planning and preparing, seasoning, and cooking food according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or established standards.Testing formulas and standardized recipes for cost, taste, texture and appearance; determining applicability for use.Inspecting food preparation equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure sanitary conditions.Ensuring that food is maintained at proper serving temperatures; meeting established quality, sanitation and appearance standards.Instructing staff in setting up serving lines and serving food as appropriate.Monitoring the inventory of supplies and records.Assisting with reviewing requisitions and ordering food from vendors as instructed.Studying cooking and kitchen operations and assisting in making recommendations for improving operating efficiency and costs.Reviewing and planning menus to determine types and quantities of food to be prepared.May serve as a lead worker providing direction and assist supervisor in training others.Operating, servicing and maintaining various food processing equipment as necessary to accomplish assigned cooking tasks; reporting kitchen equipment in need of repair or replacement.Participating in receiving food deliveries, checking contents for accuracy and quality and transporting from receiving dock to storeroom or refrigerators and from those locations to food preparation.Attending work regularly and observing approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.Performing other duties as assigned.Qualifications include:Graduation from a standard High School/equivalent required.Minimum of four (4) years' experience in food preparation, cooking and baking, and in the use and care of food preparation appliances and equipment.Working knowledge of quantity food preparation techniques and procedures, and of modified and calculated diet preparation methods.Ability to interpret and follow recipes, to analyze problems and recommend solutions, and to provide guidance to others.Must obtain a DPS TOD administered Texas Food Safety Food Handlers Certification within the first 60 days of employment.If driving is required, must possess a valid driver license from state of residence.Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures.Ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal/external customers.Ability to demonstrate DPS' core values: Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Teamwork.Ability to be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism.Ability to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences and/or individuals.Ability to quickly and efficiently access relevant information, and be able to utilize and/or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.Ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), and appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems.Ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations, and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information.Ability to work in safe manner at all times, avoiding shortcuts that have potential adverse results/risks, and must be able to comply with safety standards and best practices.Availability for after-hour and weekend work is required.Physical and/or environmental demands include:Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch.Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity.Ability to speak, hear, and exercise visual acuity.Ability to transfer weights of twenty-five (25) pounds anticipated for this position.Driving requirements: Occasional (up to 5%).Currently, this position is based at Headquarters (5805 North Lamar Blvd Building C, Austin, Texas), but within 3 years will be moved to the Tactical Training Center location (810 CR 240, Florence, Texas). The individual hired for this position will be expected to make this location transition and to assist in moving operations.