Cook

The Agency You’ll Join: The New York City Mayor’s Office is responsible for overseeing city services throughout the five boroughs, coordinating public agencies and departments, and managing public property. The administration is leading the fight in making the city more affordable, reducing inequality, improving public safety, ensuring delivery of efficient and effective services, and working to make New York City’s economy stronger. We value leadership, transparency, fairness, and efficiency as we actively seek diverse talents from various sectors to join our team. For current job opportunities, visit our careers page.

The Team You’ll Work With: Gracie Mansion, also known as New York’s “People’s House,” has served as the official residence of the Mayor of New York City since 1942, when Fiorello H. La Guardia first lived in the structure. Gracie Mansion’s history dates to 1799, when it was constructed by a New York merchant named Archibald Gracie. In addition to serving as the official residence of the mayor and his family, Gracie Mansion is also the site of numerous mayoral events and functions. Gracie Mansion operations include a robust blend of city agencies, including NYC Parks, NYPD, and City Hall, along with nonprofit entities like Gracie Mansion Conservancy and Historic House Trust, to name a few.

The Problems You’ll Solve: Reporting to the Senior Executive Chef, the Cook is responsible for preparing and serving high-quality meals for the Mayor, the Mayor’s family, and their guests for daily service, events, and official functions. Must maintain strict confidentiality regarding the Mayor, Principals, guests, and household operations.

The role requires experience with multiple cuisines with a focus on South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. The Cook prepares meals according to established menus, recipes, and instructions while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and presentation. All preparation is based on direction from culinary leadership.

The ability to follow directions from culinary leadership with consistency, professionalism, discretion, and flexibility. Work schedules may change on short notice based on operational needs.

• Prepare, cook, and present menu items as directed.
• Execute mise en place and maintain food quality and consistency.
• Taste and adjust food as instructed.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations.
• Receive, store, and inventory food and supplies.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen areas, equipment, refrigeration, storage, and the Mayor’s designated kitchen items.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely (ovens, grills, fryers, slicers, mixers, dishwashers, etc.).
• Assist with catered service, events, and special functions.
• Perform dishwashing, cleaning, and kitchen sanitation duties.
• Follow direction from the Senior Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

About You

• You bring strong knife skills, safe and confident handling of kitchen equipment, and proven experience thriving in fast paced culinary environments.
• You can stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and adapt quickly to shifting kitchen demands. With a fully flexible schedule—including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and short notice shifts.
• You follow directions well and work cooperatively as part of a team.
• You demonstrate a willingness to take on all kitchen duties, from food preparation to cleaning and dishwashing, while maintaining a professional, respectful, and structured approach in every aspect of your work.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• NYC Food Handler Certificate required.
• 3+ years professional cooking experience required.

Additional Information

• In addition to the resume, a cover letter is required to apply.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• NYC Food Handler Certificate required.
• 3+ years professional cooking experience required.

Preferred Skills

• Spanish language proficiency preferred but not required.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of the interview.