Cook/Custodian

Reports To:  Food Service Director, Building Maintenance Supervisor and Head Teacher

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations at the program location, including prepping, cooking, and delivering food items that meet mandated requirements and/or requests of students and/or school personnel; verifying quantities and specifications of orders; and maintaining facilities in a safe and sanitary condition. This position also includes the responsibility of keeping buildings and grounds clean, neat, free from clutter and safe. Picking up trash, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, cleaning and stocking bathrooms, ensuring the buildings are secure, cleaning windows and performing minor building maintenance and repairs are also part of this position. At times, outdoor work will be required to assist with keeping lawns or sidewalks clean, mowing grass, tending to ornamental gardens, raking leaves or shoveling snow.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Cooks food, prepared and/or from scratch, for the purpose of meeting mandated nutritional and projected meal requirements.
• Coordinates delivery and pickup of Breakfast in the Classroom.
• Maintains accurate daily production records and counts for meals, snacks, and other programs.
• Ensures the kitchen and food storage area is cleaned and inspected prior to the start of school.
• Maintains kitchen facilities in a sanitary condition (e.g. equipment; food prep, serving, and storage areas; materials, etc.) for the purpose of complying with current health standards.
• Provides orders each week for food and supplies needed to the Food Service Director.
• Prepares monthly inventory reports.
• Ensures all food items are stored and labeled according to required procedures.
• Maintains organized storage of dry goods, refrigerated items, and frozen goods.
• Ensures guidelines are followed for the purpose of meeting health and safety requirements.
• Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and procedures.
• Inspects deliveries for the purpose of verifying quantity, quality, and specifications of orders to meet preparation requirements and/or complying with mandated health standards.
• Reports equipment malfunctions.
• Clean and inspect school facilities and grounds for the purpose of ensuring that the site meets standards for safety and cleanliness, identifying vandalism, equipment breakage, weather damage, etc.
• Respond to safety and/or operational concerns for the purpose of taking appropriate actions and maintaining a functioning educational environment.
• Perform specialized semi-annual and annual cleaning and maintenance.  
• Perform minor maintenance and repairs of furniture and equipment for the purpose of ensuring safe and efficient use of facilities.  
• Must be knowledgeable regarding all areas of suspected asbestos locations within assigned building(s) and assure non-disturbance of these areas by public or staff.  
• Secure facilities and grounds for the purpose of minimizing property damage, equipment loss and potential liability.  
• Set up and break down for the preparation and usage of the facility. 
• Notify the supervisor, in a timely manner, of the need for supplies and equipment.  
• Assist maintenance personnel, as needed, with removal of snow, lawn care, painting, etc.  
• Communicate in a positive professional manner at all times with personnel and the community for the purpose of maintaining good working relationships.  
• Uses safety equipment for the purpose of completing required tasks and adheres to safety practices.  
• Must have the ability to recognize and report improper function of electrical, mechanical and HVAC systems.  
• Must be willing and able to operate a variety of equipment.  
• Must be willing to work hours as assigned.  
• Must have the physical stamina to lift, carry or move items up to 75 lbs. and have knowledge of appropriate methods of lifting and handling heavier objects.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education and Experience:  High school diploma or GED required. 
• Interpersonal Skills:  Demonstrate the ability to remain calm and professional in an environment with frequent interruption. Ability to interact with a diverse group of individuals in a courteous and tactful manner as well as establish and maintain effective relationships.
• Language Skills: Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from parents, patrons, or staff. Understand written procedures, speak clearly and understand multi-step written and oral instructions. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in the use of MS Word, MS Excel, email, other software programs and standard office equipment.
• Knowledge: Must be able to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percent’s, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats; understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: safety practices and procedures; quantify food preparation and handling; and sanitation practices.
• Other Skills and Abilities:  Gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; and operate equipment using a variety of processes. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups and individuals; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; and working as part of a team. Must be team oriented and have the ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff and the community. Should be able to perform basic math to include calculations, fractions, percentages and ratios; read and comprehend a variety of materials; train others; and understand and perform written and oral instructions. Have specific knowledge necessary to perform the functions of the job. Be willing to work as assigned, on a flexible schedule.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:  Must have a valid driver’s license and a clear driving record. Must agree to a background check. Must complete required training. Must have ANSI Food Safety Manager Certification.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is generally performed in the food preparation areas and throughout the school campus.

Performing the job duties of this position requires the following physical demands: reaching, lifting up to 75 lbs., standing, walking, carrying, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing and/or pulling, sitting and/or crawling. Work may be performed in all varieties of weather conditions. Duties may be performed in an environment involving intense manual labor, noise, dirt and dust, odors, fumes, hazardous materials or situations. There is a greater than average risk of getting a minor injury such as a cut or burn while performing the duties of this job. There will be constant interaction with both students and staff.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee is frequently exposed to infection at a greater risk than the average person. May be directly responsible for the safety, well-being and/or output of students. 

Note:  This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job.  The District may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job at any time as it deems advisable.