Lead Cook

Full Job Description

This position is located within Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department, Naval Air Station Key West, Florida.

The purpose of this position is to lead lower graded cooks and food service workers in addition to working the full scope of duties as a cook. This position is located at the Beachside Grill.

In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered.

Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities, as they relate to this position.

Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience. All non-government positions identified on your resume must include complete address and to and from dates.

Government positions must include pay plan, series, grade, to and from dates and address of the agency/organization. One year of specialized experience directly related to the duties described above.

Qualifying experience must have been equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression.

Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Thorough knowledge of the full range of food preparation principles, and the techniques and procedures necessary to develop or revise current recipes for large quantity cooking.

Incumbent must be able to overcome problems and initiate corrective actions independently.

Ability to recognize characteristics of food in deciding that raw materials are fresh and judge prepared food by color, consistency, temperature odor and taste.

Must have a thorough understanding of flavoring materials, spices and herbs, and be able to apply special rules in seasonings of large quantities of food.

Must be able to operate, breakdown and clean food service equipment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

As part of the application process, you must complete and submit an occupational questionnaire and your RESUME MUST SUPPORT AND VALIDATE YOUR ANSWERS or you may be removed from consideration.

ONLY THE MOST HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE REFERRED. IF MANAGEMENT DOES NOT WISH TO SELECT A HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATE, THEY MAY REQUEST A REFERRAL LIST INCLUDING WELL OR QUALIFIED APPLICANTS.

Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating and/or appointment eligibility.

PLEASE READ THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY TO ENSURE ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE ADDRESSED IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE.

NO Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest KEY REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Males must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.

https://www.sss.gov/register/ Selectee must be determined suitable for federal employment. Selectee may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.

Selectee is required to participate in the direct deposit pay program. Social Security Card is required. Satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-VERIFY) check.

As of May 7, 2025, The REAL ID act requires visitors to have a REAL ID or passport to access to Government Facilities. This will be a requirement for employment.

A favorable background is a requirement of this position. Failure to obtain and maintain a favorable background may result in the withdrawal of the position offer or removal.

NOTE: Applicants have the ability to perform an E-Verify Self Check to confirm employment eligibility at http://www.uscis.gov/mye-verify/self-check.

Although a Self-Check is not mandatory, it can be a useful tool for applicants to find out if there is a problem with their employment eligibility records and resolve any issues before taking a job.

Major Duties:

The incumbent prepares and cooks a wide variety of foods in quantity, using standard or complex recipes.

Incumbent uses a full range of cooking procedures, from common frequently used to difficult or new recipes in the independent preparation of a variety of meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, sauces and gravies.

On a day-to-day basis prepares four or more menu items for one meal that involves planning and coordination a variety of steps.

Ensures that all items are ready for serving at the same time or prepares menu items using special or difficult recipes involving many steps, ingredients, or long preparation time.

Adjusts recipes to improve flavor, texture and presentation. Responsible for relaying instructions from supervisor to other kitchen crew members.

Demonstrates work methods and provides work-related guidance to lower graded employees. Checks on the work progress of other kitchen crew members to meet productivity and timeliness goals.

Ensures others follow security, safety, sanitation, and housekeeping rules. Conducts on-the-job training and instruction to lower-level employees. Checks with supervisor on problems.

Performs supervisory duties in an emergency or other short term and non-recurring basis. Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Effort: Incumbent performs work that requires constant standing and walking.

Frequent lifting of objects weighing up to 40 pounds and occasional lifting of items over 50 pounds with assistance.

Working Conditions: Incumbent works in an environment that is often hot and noisy, usually well lighted.

Exposed to steam fumes and cooking orders, extreme temperatures when entering walk-in freezers, and slippery floors. There is the danger of falls, burns and cuts.