Cook II

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.

Part of the Central Operations Services group, the Kitt Peak Food Services team remains successful by working well together with a spirit of cooperation.  Together they provide a safe, healthy, pleasant, and functional environment for all.

We have an opening for a full-time Cook II to support the operations of the Kitt Peak National Observatory. We are looking for a talented team player to join our friendly team and perform all functions associated with the preparation and serving of food within the Dining Facility under general supervision by the Food Services Supervisor. This position may provide supervision and training of lower level staff in the absence of the supervisor. The work location is at the Kitt Peak National Observatory, approximately 56 miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona. Working hours are generally 10-hour days, Sunday through Wednesday; however occasional over-time or additional workdays may be required.

Transportation is provided from NOIRLab’s base facility, located on the University of Arizona campus. Employees can drive or share an AURA vehicle from the base facility to Kitt Peak (driving an AURA vehicle requires a valid state driver’s license and an AURA issued GSA license).

Essential Functions:

• Prepares and cooks meals.
• Makes fresh soups, salads and sauces as required.
• Prepares night lunches and nightly meals, including for Night Observing Program, as requested.
• Plans and prepares meal portions to limit waste.
• Serves food to staff and visitors.
• Cleans cooking utensils, dishes and kitchen area as required.
• Prepares and stores leftovers to prevent spoilage.
• Periodically reviews status of food/kitchen supplies and identifies needs to supervisor.
• Assists supervisor in preparation of menus and inventory maintenance.
• Assists supervisor in training of newly hired or lower level staff as required.
• May provide limited supervision of food services staff in absence of Supervisor.
• Recommends changes in procedures, operations or menus as appropriate and coordinates with supervisor on items of concern.
• Demonstrates safe operating methods and practices and reports any unsafe conditions or procedures. May serve on emergency response team as required.
• Complies with Health Department guidelines.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least three years experience in food preparation with emphasis on cooking.
• Strong food preparation aptitude and experience cooking for large groups.
• Ability to cooperate with others and demonstrate strong leadership skills.
• Working knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Ability to communicate with staff, effectively completing assignments.
• Must obtain and maintain Food Sanitation certificate with the Pima County Health Department.
• Valid State driver’s license and a valid GSA permit issued by NOIRLab.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl. Including ability to remain on one’s feet in an upright position at a workstation.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately
• Must be able to work at 6,800 feet altitude.
• May be required to extend worktime and/or stay overnight at Kitt Peak based on emergency operational and/or safety needs.

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation.

Salary Range: $17.20/hr - $19.42/hr. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/ 

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by October 25, 2024.

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. 
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org. 
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process). 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org 

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. 

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.