Production Cook

Job description

The Production Cook is responsible for preparing and handling food in our manufacturing cook room to support increased winter volume and build inventory for periods of reduced labor, particularly when staff are focused on meat production during the summer. This role involves operating and maintaining production machinery and equipment, following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and sanitation guidelines to ensure safety and hygiene. The Production Cook packages finished products for distribution and sales, reports any equipment malfunctions or safety concerns to the lead, and collaborates with team members to meet production targets. Under the direction of the Plant Lead, the cook prepares products according to standardized recipes and portioning controls, assists with cleaning duties in the cook room, packing area, and other designated zones, and completes all required record keeping to ensure compliance with USDA guidelines and procedures. Additional duties as assigned may also be part of this role.

The Production Cook will prepare meat-based products, including pulled pork, hot dog chili, chili
with beans, and taco filling. Cooking method is boiling. The cook operates commercial kettles to cook products to the required
internal temperatures in compliance with USDA heat-treatment standards. The cook monitors
kettle temperatures, adjusts heat settings, and ensures product consistency according to
standardized recipes and portioning controls. This role supports increased winter volume and
builds inventory for periods of reduced labor, particularly when staff are focused on meat
production during the summer.
The Production Cook will operate commercial food production equipment and tools, including use
60-gallon commercial gas kettles, stainless steel paddles & pitch forks, commercial can opener,
burr submersible blender, electronic scale and label printer, knives, buckets, measuring cups, pans
scoop, thermometers, tape gun, blast freezer, grinder, pallet jack and date labeler.
The Production Cook is responsible for preparing and handling food in a USDA-monitored plant
for heat-treated food products.

Special Requirements

Candidates must be able to follow written recipes and instructions for cooking and packaging with strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality. A basic understanding of food safety and hygiene practices is essential. The role requires the ability to work in a cold, fast-paced environment, standing and walking for extended periods. Physical capabilities include lifting, carrying, and positioning up to 20 pounds regularly, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 100 pounds occasionally. Employees must frequently bend, reach above shoulder level, grasp objects, climb, kneel, squat, twist, and stand throughout the shift, with the ability to push and pull up to 150 pounds occasionally. Using hands and fingers to handle objects, tools, or controls is also required. The work environment is maintained at approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit.The workers will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing, paid by the employer and applied equally to all workers, U.S. and foreign/H-2B. The workers are subject to pre and post employment criminal background checks, paid by the employer and applied equally to all workers, U.S. and foreign/H-2B. Eligible workers who are authorized and qualified to drive vehicles may be assigned to transport other workers between employer-provided housing and assigned worksites, or between worksites, as needed. All time spent driving at the direction of the employer will be considered hours worked and will be compensated at the applicable hourly rate.