Cook- PT

Vista Prairie Communities

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Spirit Lake, IA, us on site Until 8/22/2026 First posted March 27, 2025 Last posted March 27, 2025
Job description

Vista Prairie Communities is a fast-paced and quickly-growing nonprofit senior housing and health care corporation that uses affiliated organizations to serve persons of diverse incomes by providing nurturing and homelike properties in the lifelong communities of its residents. We engage staff, residents, the local community and service providers to create the quality of life we all hope to experience.

Keelson Harbour in Spirit Lake, IA has a need for a part-time Cook. This position reports directly to the Director of Culinary Services.


MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Cooks or otherwise prepares food according to recipe.

• Cuts, trims, and bones meats and poultry for cooking.

• Bakes bread, rolls, cakes, and pastries.

• Portions cooked foods per Director’s direction regarding size of portions and methods of garnishing.

• Carves meats, portions food on plates, adds gravies and sauces, and garnishes servings.

• Adjusts thermostat controls to regulate the temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, steamers, or other food service equipment.

• Measures and mixes ingredients according to recipe, using a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment such as blenders, mixers, grinders, slicers, and tenderizers to prepare soups, salads, gravies, sauces, casseroles, and desserts.

• Bakes, roasts, broils, and steams meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods.

• Adds seasonings to foods during mixing or cooking, according to recipes, personal judgment, and experience.

• Observes and tests foods being cooked by tasting, smelling, and piercing with fork to determine that it is properly cooked.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primary responsibilities will be conducted in clean, well-lit, climate controlled areas. 

• The noise is usually moderate.

• May work beyond normal working hours, on weekends and holidays, and in other positions when necessary.

• May be exposed to blood-borne pathogens and infectious diseases.

• Is subject to exposure to chemical and respiratory hazards.

• Some travel to meetings and seminars may be required.


PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (WITH OR WITHOUT THE AID OF MECHANICAL DEVICES)

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the working day, must be able to stand, stoop, walk, kneel and crouch. 

• Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read.

• Frequently required to stand, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear.

• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.

• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and move a minimum of 20 pounds.

• Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School education or GED.

• Training in culinary arts and/or 2 years’ experience.


SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Must receive a "not disqualified" criminal background result from Department of Human Services and may not be on the OIG exclusions list. 

• Must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age.


REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Must demonstrate leadership, good judgment, and dependability.

• Must possess good listening and verbal skills.

• Must possess a desire to work with aged, infirm, and handicapped persons.

• Must work as a team member and maintain a positive demeanor.

• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such actions.

• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, and the general public.

• Must be able to relate information concerning residents’ condition.


Apply online at www.vistaprairie.org/about/job-opportunities/ 

Equal Opportunity Employer

About this role

Summary

Prepare and cook food for residents, follow recipes, and maintain hygiene standards.

Job title

Cook- PT

Experience level

2+ years

Industry

nonprofit senior housing and health care

Location requirements

Spirit Lake, IA; on-site work only

Salary

Not specified

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

food preparationrecipe followingteamworkgood judgmentdependability

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

cookingfood preparationsenior care
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Spirit Lake, IA 51360, USA

On-site City