Job Summary: 

The Temporary Lead Cook is responsible for planning weekly menus, ordering food and kitchen supplies, and preparing and serving breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday for the senior priests at the St. John Paul II Residence. Working under the direction of the Director of the Residence, the Temporary Lead Cook helps maintain dependable kitchen and meal service and coordinates food preparation needs with the part-time weekend Cook. This temporary position is expected to last approximately 11 weeks, subject to the operational needs of the Diocese of Austin. 

Ministerial Character

The Bishop is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the particular Church (the diocese) entrusted to him.  In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ’s mission present and enduring as Shepherd of the Christian Community.  In order to fulfill his mission, the Bishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people).  He shares with them the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.  

Each position employed in the Diocese of Austin helps to extend the ministry of the Bishop in particular ways as outlined in the job description.  Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Bishop in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.  

Essential Job Duties:

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of Austin in both your professional and personal life.

• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.

• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.

• Prepare and serve breakfast and lunch for residents, Monday through Friday.

• Plan weekly menus, Monday through Sunday, that are nutritious, varied, cost-conscious, and responsive to resident preferences and dietary needs.

• Coordinate weekly menus and food preparation plans with the Director.

• Provide the weekend Cook with menus, ingredients, prepared food, and clear meal preparation instructions as needed.

• Order food, ingredients, beverages, and kitchen supplies from approved vendors in coordination with the Director.

• Monitor food and kitchen supply inventory and maintain appropriate quantities while minimizing waste.

• Receive deliveries and verify that orders are complete, accurate, and in acceptable condition.

• Properly store, label, date, and rotate food and ingredients. 

• Maintain organized records of menus, purchases, vendor orders, and inventory needs as directed.

• Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen in compliance with health and safety regulations.

• Follow proper food safety procedures for storage, preparation, temperature control, sanitation, and prevention of cross-contamination.

• Maintain a calm, professional, respectful, and discreet environment suitable for a residence for senior priests.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

• Strong culinary skills with experience preparing meals for small groups.

• Experience planning practical, nutritious, and cost-conscious weekly menus

• Knowledge of basic food safety and sanitation procedures.

• Experience ordering food and kitchen supplies from commercial vendors and local grocery providers.

• Professional, respectful, and discreet demeanor suitable for a priest residence.

• Ability to speak, read, and write in English; Spanish helpful but not required.

• Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality.

• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Culinary training or equivalent professional experience preferred 

Experience:

• Minimum 3 to 5 years of food preparation experience in a restaurant, hospitality, or professional residential setting. 

• Experience with menu planning, food ordering, inventory management, and independent meal preparation required

Language Requirement:

• English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing).

• Spanish (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing). Preferred but not required.

Catholic Requirement:

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Certified Food Manager (required)

• Valid Texas driver’s license.

• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

Working Conditions:

• All employees of the Diocese of Austin are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Bishop in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 

• The Diocese of Austin is an at-will employer.

• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Diocese of Austin are tobacco-free.

• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.

• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.

• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations. 

• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes, and conduct standards.

• May be required to use personal or diocesan vehicles to drive to parishes or other off-site locations.

• Traveling within and outside the diocese to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.