Traveling Cook/Culinary Specialist

Job Description:

Traveling Cook/Culinary Specialist

Tutera Senior Living & Health Care

• Travel includes short- and long-term assignments at senior living communities within the assigned region

Are you a Culinary/Cook Professional seeking an exciting new career opportunity? Look no further! If you are dedicated and compassionate, WE WANT YOU!

Position Summary:

This role ensures residents receive nutritious, appealing meals while maintaining compliance with food safety standards and supporting a positive dining experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and cook meals according to standardized recipes, menus, and dietary requirements
• Ensure meals meet senior nutrition guidelines, portion standards, and presentation expectations
• Accommodate therapeutic diets (e.g., low sodium, diabetic, texture-modified, allergen-sensitive)
• Assist with menu execution during peak service periods

• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards (ServSafe/Always Food Safe, local, state, and federal regulations)
• Maintain clean, organized workstations and proper food storage practices
• Document temperatures, production records, and other required logs

• Step into existing kitchen teams with minimal orientation and adapt quickly to different environments
• Support dining services during call-outs, vacancies, or high-volume periods
• Communicate effectively with Dining Directors, Dining Department Heads, Dietary Managers and community leadership
• Assist with inventory control and proper food handling procedures as directed

• Provide courteous, respectful service to residents and staff
• Respond professionally to resident preferences, feedback, and special requests
• Support a warm, hospitality-focused dining atmosphere

Qualifications:

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 2 years of cooking experience, preferably in senior living, healthcare, or institutional food service
• Knowledge of modified diets and senior nutrition standards
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between locations
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
• ServSafe/Always Food Safe Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)

Preferred:

• Experience in assisted living, independent living, or skilled nursing environments
• Familiarity with production cooking and high-volume meal service
• Strong adaptability and problem-solving skills

Skills & Competencies:

• Flexible and dependable with strong time-management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong attention to detail and food quality
• Professional demeanor in diverse community settings

• Tutera Senior Living & Health Care is guided by one single purpose: To live the YOUNITE philosophy in every decision, every day. Based on genuine respect, YOUNITE is how we get to know residents and team members on a personal level. By asking about our employees’ and residents’ unique needs and preferences, we actively listen and then deliver. Do you want to work for a company where you are the driving force behind every decision made?
• Tutera offers stability; our family-owned company was founded in 1985!
• Tutera offers a competitive starting wage and amazing benefits! We take care of you so you can be a rockstar at work and at home!

Apply today and let us show you how we are inspired by you.

Equal Opportunity Employer. The wage and benefit information provided in this listing is subject to change. Benefits eligibility criteria must be met to enroll in available benefits.

Benefits:

• Advanced Pay
• Financial Literacy Classes
• Employee Assistance Program offering Mental Health Resources, Legal Guidance, Financial Information, and more!
• Child Care Discount
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) for Eligible Locations
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
• Exclusive Tutera Perks
• Tutera University
• Advancement Opportunities

Job ID: 2026-17717