Zagbegon Cook

  • Pokagon Band of Potwatomi Indians
  • Dowagiac, Michigan
  • Full Time

Commitment to Service

Service encompasses all aspects of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indian’s governmental operations. Every employee shares the responsibility to provide exemplary service, dignity, and respect to all Tribal Citizens, the Tribal Council, and staff members. To this end, all employees have an obligation to identify and report any service problems, issues, or concerns and through designated channels, initiate, recommend, and actively participate in solutions.

Position Summary:

Responsible for providing meals for the Zagbëgon Academy students and staffa during regular school hours and activities, summer camp students and staff, preparing meals for all dietary needs, ordering food and cleaning/organizing kitchen and appliances. In addition, the cook is responsible for general cleaning and maintaining meal records. A primary function is to ensure that each youth and visitor receives the highest caliber of service. All meals must be in compliance with USDA food regulations.

Essential Functions:

  • Manage all aspects of food service for Zagbëgon Academy and Camp
  • Plan meals for the Zagbëgon Academy, up to 60 people per meal in advance
  • Work with the Zagbëgon team on field trip and event menu planning
  • Review meal plans with certified nutritionist (based on availability)
  • Places food orders in accordance with budget and in a timely manner
  • Ensure cleanliness of food preparation and delivery areas
  • Check in all food/supply orders; following FIFO (First In First Out) Follow state Health Department regulations pertaining to safe food practice
  • Prepares all meals on time as scheduled
  • Knowledge of food allergies and food related diseases, and the ingredients that may cause the allergy/disease
  • Have menus posted daily
  • Report any accidents or injuries to supervisor
  • Assist in weekly deep cleaning of specific areas in the kitchen, e.g. floors, vent hoods, etc.
  • Assist with planning and implementation of Ke Gbeshmen Summer Camp, as needed

Non-Essential Functions:

  • Perform other related functions as assigned.

Equipment:

  • Kitchen and accompanying appliances

Position Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum of one (1) year of successful experience as cook, preferred
  • Ability to modify meals for special dietary needs
  • Knowledge of generally accepted well balanced nutrition guidelines
  • Experience with ordering and meal planning via USDA standards
  • Current First Aid/CPR and ServeSafe certifications or willingness to attain within 90 days
  • Excellent working skills including: communication skills, organizational skills and attention to details
  • Good communication skills required
  • Able to pass a criminal history background check

Indian Preference

Pokagon Band Preference Code applies

Physical Requirements:

  • Frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate kitchen equipment
  • Frequently required to stand, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, and bend
  • Frequently required to life and/or move up to 30 pounds
  • Frequently required to work in extreme heat and moderate levels of noise
  • Frequently required to work with chemicals
  • Ability to hear and listen

Work environment:

Standard kitchen equipment

Competencies:

  • Initiative
  • Fostering Communication
  • Ensuring Accountability
  • Teamwork
  • Adaptability
Job ID: 490706433
Originally Posted on: 8/25/2025

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