Cafe and Event Lead Cook

Job Title:Café and Catering Lead CookLocation:Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens – Jacksonville, FLReports to:Kitchen Manager Schedule & Compensation • Compensation:$18–$22/hour for up to 40 hours/week (including Café and Event shifts), plus event gratuity, bringing total compensation to approximately$42,000–$55,000 annually. About Chef’s Garden at the Cummer Museum Chef’s Garden is the exclusive food and beverage partner of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, operating the Cummer Café and providing catering for weddings, corporate events, and museum programming. We are committed to crafting fresh, high-quality dishes that elevate the museum experience for every guest. Position Summary TheCafé and Catering Lead Cookis a full-time culinary role that works closely with the Kitchen Manager as second-in-command during café service and steps into a leadership role when the Kitchen Manager is off-site or unavailable. In addition to café responsibilities, this role supports 1–2 catered events per week as part of the banquet team. The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, and capable of managing kitchen operations with consistency and professionalism. Key Responsibilities Café Operations (Primary Role) • Work directly with the Kitchen Manager to support daily kitchen operations at the Cummer Café • Act as the lead cook when the Kitchen Manager is off-site, ensuring smooth prep, service, and closing • Prepare made-to-order menu items with consistency, efficiency, and high-quality presentation • Ensure full compliance with all health department regulations, food safety protocols, and sanitation standards • Participate in all kitchen duties including prep, cooking, plating, and cleaning; all team members share responsibility for dishwashing and maintaining a clean workspace • Maintain food safety, cleanliness, and organization in all back-of-house areas • Support daily kitchen setup and breakdown, including managing inventory and restocking • Assist with training and mentoring newer kitchen staff as needed • Collaborate with front-of-house staff to ensure accurate and timely guest service Catering & Events (1–2 Times/Week) • Assist in prep and execution for catered events both on- and off-site • Support production of buffet, plated, and hors d’oeuvre-style service • Participate in food transport, setup, plating, and breakdown at events • Work with event chefs and service leads to meet Chef’s Garden’s quality and timing standards Qualifications • 2+ years of professional cooking experience, with some supervisory or leadership exposure • Strong fundamentals in prep, line cooking, kitchen organization, and sanitation practices • Experience with catering or banquet service is a plus • Reliable, self-motivated, and confident in managing a shift when needed • Ability to lift 40 lbs and work on your feet for extended periods • Flexible availability, including some evenings and weekends for events • ServSafe Certification preferred (or willingness to obtain upon hire) Job Type: Full-time Pay: $42,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year Benefits: • 401(k) matching • Dental insurance • Employee discount • Health insurance • Paid time off • Paid training • Vision insurance Shift: • Day shift • Evening shift • Morning shift Experience: • Culinary: 1 year (Required) Ability to Commute: • Jacksonville, FL 32204 (Required) Willingness to travel: • 25% (Required) Work Location: In person