New Jersey cook employment contract template

New Jersey Cook Employment Contract

This New Jersey Cook Employment Contract (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of [Date] by and between:

[Employer Name], a [State] [Entity Type] with its principal place of business at [Employer Address], New Jersey ("Employer"), and

[Employee Name], residing at [Employee Address], New Jersey ("Employee").

WHEREAS, Employer desires to employ Employee as a Full-Time Cook, and Employee desires to accept such employment, the parties agree as follows:

1. Position and Duties

Employee is hired as a Full-Time Cook.

Option A: The primary job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Preparing and cooking [Cuisine Type] food according to standardized recipes.
• Operating kitchen equipment, including [List of Equipment].
• Maintaining a clean and organized workstation.
• Adhering to portion control and plating standards.
• Assisting with inventory and stocking.

Option B: Specific duties will be determined by the [Head Chef/Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager] and may include:

• Working as a [Line Cook/Prep Cook/Breakfast Cook].
• Preparing ingredients for service.
• Plating dishes according to restaurant standards.
• Cleaning and sanitizing kitchen equipment and surfaces.
• Assisting with receiving and storing deliveries.

2. Compliance with New Jersey Law

• Employee will comply with all applicable New Jersey state and local health, food safety, and sanitation laws, including the New Jersey Food Code.
• Employee must maintain a valid [Food Handler Certificate/Food Protection Manager Certification], if required by New Jersey law.
• Employee will adhere to allergen awareness protocols and proper food handling and storage practices.
• Employee will participate in any mandatory health or safety training provided by the Employer.
• Employee will adhere to New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act.

3. Reporting Structure and Work Location

• Employee will report directly to the [Head Chef/Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager].
• Employee will communicate effectively with front-of-house staff as needed.
• The primary work location is [Restaurant Name] located at [Restaurant Address], New Jersey.
• Option A: Employee may be required to work at affiliated locations or catering sites as needed.
• Option B: Work will be performed exclusively at the primary work location.

4. Employment Type, Hours, and Overtime

• This is a Full-Time employment position.
• Regular working hours are [Number] hours per week, from [Start Time] to [End Time], [Days of the Week].
• Employee is entitled to a [Number]-minute meal break for shifts exceeding [Number] hours.
• Overtime will be paid at a rate of one and one-half (1.5) times the regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek, in accordance with NJ Wage and Hour Law.
• Option A: If the employee is a tipped employee, the overtime rate will be calculated based on the adjusted minimum wage and tip credit rules as per New Jersey regulations.
• Option B: If the employee is not a tipped employee, the overtime rate will be calculated based on the employee's regular hourly rate.

5. Compensation

• Employee's hourly wage is [Dollar Amount] per hour.
• Option A: Employee is eligible to participate in a shared tip pool, with distribution determined by [Employer Policy].
• Option B: Employee is not eligible for tips.
• Paychecks will be issued [Frequency, e.g., weekly, bi-weekly], via [Direct Deposit/Check].
• All required deductions for taxes and other withholdings will be made.
• Employee's compensation will comply with New Jersey's minimum wage laws.

6. Benefits

Option A: Employer provides the following benefits:

• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Paid sick leave (as per New Jersey Earned Sick Leave Law).
• Vacation time: [Number] days per year.
• [Other Benefits, e.g., Retirement Plan, Meal Allowance]

Option B: Employer provides no benefits beyond those required by New Jersey law.

Employer provides [Number] hours of sick leave per year, accrued at a rate of at least 1 hour per 30 hours worked, per New Jersey Earned Sick Leave Law.

7. Probationary Period

Option A: Employee will serve a probationary period of [Number] days/weeks.

• Performance will be reviewed at the end of the probationary period.
• Successful completion of the probationary period may result in a wage increase to [Dollar Amount] per hour.

Option B: There is no probationary period.

8. Workplace Policies

• Employee will adhere to all Employer's workplace policies, including those prohibiting harassment, discrimination, and substance abuse.
• Employee is prohibited from consuming alcohol or using illegal drugs on Employer's premises.
• Retaliation against employees who report violations of workplace policies is strictly prohibited.
• Employee will adhere to all kitchen safety procedures and report any workplace injuries immediately.

9. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

• Employee will maintain the confidentiality of Employer's proprietary recipes, preparation techniques, and other business information.
• Any original recipes or menu items created by Employee during employment are the property of Employer, subject to company policy.

10. Outside Employment

Option A: Employee is permitted to engage in outside employment, provided it does not conflict with their duties to Employer.

Option B: Employee is prohibited from working for competing restaurants within [Radius] of Employer's location.

11. Termination and Discipline

• This employment is at-will, meaning either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.
• Employer may terminate employment immediately for gross misconduct, health code violations, or theft.
• Upon termination, Employee will return all Employer property.
• Final pay will be issued in accordance with New Jersey wage laws.

12. Dispute Resolution

• The parties agree to attempt to resolve any disputes through good-faith negotiation.
• Option A: Any unresolved disputes will be submitted to mediation/arbitration in [City], New Jersey.
• Option B: Any unresolved disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of New Jersey.
• This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey.

13. Non-Compete/Non-Solicitation

Option A: Employee agrees not to solicit Employer's employees or customers for a period of [Number] months following termination of employment.

Option B: Employee agrees not to work for a direct competitor located within [Number] miles of Employer's business for a period of [Number] months after termination. This only applies if the employee has direct access to confidential recipes or client lists.

Option C: There is no non-compete or non-solicitation agreement.

14. Safety Drills

Employee will participate in employer-mandated safety drills (fire, emergency evacuation) per local regulations.

15. Equal Employment Opportunity

Employer is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or any other status protected by NJ law.

16. Amendments

This Agreement may be amended only in writing, signed by both parties.

17. Language

The official language of this Agreement and workplace communication is [English/Spanish].

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

____________________________
[Employer Name]

By: ____________________________
[Employer Representative Name]
[Employer Representative Title]

____________________________
[Employee Name]