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Prep Chef (On-Site - La Crosse, WI)

Dairyland Power Cooperative · La Crosse, WI · $18.61–$26.06 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This role is safety sensitive. What does working safely in a kitchen mean to you?

What they are checking: Whether they take kitchen safety seriously, from knives to wet floors.

Tell me about a time you worked as part of a busy kitchen team.

What they are checking: Whether they collaborate and stay positive under pressure.

What makes a good guest experience in a workplace café?

What they are checking: Whether they care about the people they serve every day.

What would you do

You're running low on an ingredient halfway through service. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they adapt quickly and communicate with the team.

A guest says they have a food allergy. How do you handle their order?

What they are checking: Whether they take allergies seriously and prevent cross-contact.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd prep for a busy lunch service in the Riverside Café.

What they are checking: Whether they plan prep work so service runs smoothly and on time.

How do you keep food safe, including temperatures, labeling and storage?

What they are checking: Whether they know food safety rules that protect employees and guests.

How do you keep quality consistent when you're making the same dish every day?

What they are checking: Whether they follow recipes and standards carefully so guests get the same quality every single day.

How do you help keep food waste low?

What they are checking: Whether they think about inventory and cost as well as cooking.

What paperwork or organization tasks have you done in a kitchen, like ordering or tracking inventory?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the administrative side the posting describes.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Dairyland Power Cooperative from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Dairyland Power Cooperative.

Are you ready to join an organization where we focus on People First, have fun at work and make a difference in what we do? Dairyland is proud of our People First culture centered around appreciation, celebrating wins and collaboration. We’ve worked hard to ensure alignment between our culture and our processes and systems, learning and development and rewards and recognition programs. As a team, we work together to leverage the team’s diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences to deliver nothing less than the best. We are collaborative, transparent and committed to our People and their work experience, growth and professional development. Hiring Salary Range: $18.61 - $26.06 Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate's unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level. PURPOSE : Assist in the day-to-day operations of the Riverside Café by ensuring efficient workflow, maintaining high-quality standards, and contributing to the overall guest and employee experience. This position is considered safety sensitive and includes administrative, organizational, communication and operational tasks as well as responsibilities related to daily food production in the Riverside Café. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS : • Maintain food stock inventory in coordination with the Head Chef, monitoring item pricing and availability. Plan and execute nutritionally balanced menus in collaboration with the Head Chef. • Assist with placing and ordering of café supply orders, coordinating pick-ups, organizing incoming stock and handling inventory management, including stocking the collaboration spaces, grab and go coolers, snack racks and beverage coolers. • Oversee the brewing and delivery of coffee services ensuring proper maintenance of coffee equipment. • Prepare and maintain the salad bar for lunch service, including creating weekly side salads and specialty dressings. • Bake fresh items and develop new ideas for pastries, cookies, and other baked goods. • Create, document and upload menus weekly, or as needed. • Operate the point of sale (POS) system, including generating reports and basic troubleshooting. • Proactively ensure the cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and dining room areas. • Clean kitchen work areas, coolers, sinks, floors, and dishwashing areas. • Serve prepared meals, support catering events and prepare food and supplies for the following day’s service. • Follow cafe procedures and Department of Health standards in all food service and preparation activities. • Participate in required safety training and ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations and company policies. • Perform other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : Education & Experience : Related food service, baking or cafe experience preferred. Education in a culinary arts field is also preferred. Skills : • Baking skills and strong culinary skills. • Strong organizational and time management skills. • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. • Knowledge of food safety and health regulations. • Excellent teamwork and communication skills. Licenses and Certifications : Meet and maintain WI ServSafe certification within six (6) months of hire. Ensure issuance of La Crosse County Restaurant certification. . Ensure issuance of La Crosse County Restaurant certification. 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand for long periods of time; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; lift 25 lbs. frequently, 40 lbs. occasionally. Other Job Characteristics : Flexibility to work evenings as needed. Due to nature of role and work performed, position is expected to report in-office at our La Crosse, WI Administration Building and is not eligible for hybrid scheduling. BENEFITS: We are committed to providing our greatest asset, our People, with as many perks and benefits as possible. Some benefits of working with us include: • Health & disability benefits (medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability) • Life insurance • Generous 401(k) and Pension Plans • Paid Time Off • Robust Wellness Program • Tuition Reimbursement • So much more! Dairyland Power Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR Department at 608-788-4000.

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