Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Mark Onstad

Joliet,IL

Summary

Innovative Lead Cook with 18 years of kitchen supervision experience. Gifted at food preparation and monitoring a staff closely. Effective in menu planning and adapting to menu changes and kitchen issues quickly.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lead Cook

The Reserve At Oswego
11.2013 - 06.2022

Developed recipes, portion specifications, and standard preparation procedures for all dishes.


Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.


Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.


Cooked three meals a day, provided a morning and afternoon snack, and cleaned the dishes and dining rooms for between 20 and 40 Alzheimer's and dementia residents.


I completed these tasks by myself most of the time.





Cook 2

Hollywood Casino Joliet
06.2005 - 11.2013
  • Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Adjusted recipes based on ingredient availability or customer request.
  • Suggested actionable improvements to streamline training procedures.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
  • Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
  • Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
  • Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
  • Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
  • Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.
  • Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
  • Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
  • Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
  • Measured, weighed and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
  • Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
  • Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.

Shipping Clerk

M And J Electrical Supply
08.1992 - 06.2003
  • Conducted research to address shipping errors and packaging mistakes.
  • Processed invoices and order forms for goods received and shipped for proof of transactions.
  • Packed, secured, labeled and applied postage to materials to prepare items for shipment.
  • Moved shipment materials to and from designated areas using lift and hand trucks.
  • Monitored inventory to maintain sufficient supply levels to meet business and customer needs.
  • Collaborated with internal departments to verify customer satisfaction and order accuracy.
  • Processed required paperwork to expedite handling of shipped and received goods.
  • Packaged goods in safe containers to prepare for shipping, adhering to packaging protocols.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts

Joliet Junior College
Joliet, IL
05.2005

Skills

  • Culinary Techniques
  • Order Delivery Practices
  • Critical Thinking
  • Knife Safety
  • Cleaning and Sanitizing Methods
  • Post-Shift Cleanup
  • Contamination Prevention
  • Food Preparation and Safety
  • Monitoring Food Safety
  • Dietary Restrictions
  • Food Spoilage Prevention
  • Ingredient Preparation
  • Kitchen Equipment Operation
  • Safety Guidelines
  • Attentive to Detail
  • Food Safety
  • Proper Food Temperatures
  • Sanitization Protocols
  • Attention to Quality
  • Standardized Recipes

Certification

  • Lift Truck Operator - February 2023

Timeline

Lead Cook

The Reserve At Oswego
11.2013 - 06.2022

Cook 2

Hollywood Casino Joliet
06.2005 - 11.2013

Shipping Clerk

M And J Electrical Supply
08.1992 - 06.2003

Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts

Joliet Junior College
Mark Onstad