Cook/Baker - Multiple Positions - location and hours vary - (2026/2027 school year)

JOB CLASS:  7241/8341

TITLE:  COOK/BAKER

JOB GOAL: To contribute to the safe and efficient operation of the school cafeteria for the ultimate health, comfort, and benefit of the students.

REPORTS TO: School Food Service Manager, Assistant Manager(ASM), District Food Service Director or Principal.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Any combination equivalent to: high school diploma, G.E.D. Certificate OR demonstrated progress toward obtaining a G.E.D. as required by Kentucky law.
2. One year of experience in cooking and baking food in large quantities, preferred.
3. Able to execute basic math skills.
4. Positive attitude toward students, staff, and school.

 KNOWLEDGE OF:

1. Principles and methods of quantity food service preparation, serving and storage.
2. Basic computer skills including use of mouse and keyboard to navigate computer, e-mail, and websites, and operation of point of sale system.
3. Methods of preparing and serving food in large quantities.
4. Methods of adjusting and extending recipes and proper substitutions.
5. Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies.
6. Standard kitchen equipment, utensils and measurements.
7. Health and safety regulations.
8. Basic record-keeping techniques.
9. Basic math and cashiering skills.
10. HACCP/SOP procedures including sanitation practices related to handling & serving food.

 ABILITY TO: 

1. Prepare, cook, bake and serve a variety of foods in quantity at an assigned school cafeteria.
2. Prepare and serve food in accordance with health and sanitation regulations.
3. Operate and maintain standard machines and equipment found in school cafeterias and kitchens.
4. Prepare attractive, appetizing and nutritious meals for students and staff.
5. Understand requirements for reimbursable meals and monitor student trays to ensure requirements are met.
6. Lift, bend, reach and stand.
7. Follow, adjust and extend recipes.
8. Understand and follow oral and written directions.
9. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
10. (8341) Has the flexibility to travel between multiple locations, as needed, to meet departmental demands.
11. Maintain routine records.
12. Meet schedules and timelines.
13. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
14. Plan and organize work.
15. Observe and follow health and safety regulations.
16. Train and provide work direction to others as directed by the manager/ASM.
17. Make changes accurately.
18. Read and write at a level required for successful job performance.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Prepare, cook, bake and serve a variety of foods in quantity at an assigned school cafeteria; assist in other food preparation duties as directed; maintain facilities in a clean and sanitary condition.
2. Prepare and bake rolls, biscuits, breads, cakes, cookies and other baked goods; prepare and combine necessary ingredients.
3. Prepare and cook meat dishes, vegetables and other main dishes; prepare salads, sandwiches, fruit, soups, sauces and other foods.
4. Assist in determining appropriate quantity of food items for cooking and baking; adjust and extend recipes as needed; maintain food quality standards including appearance, and nutritional requirements.
5. Monitor temperatures of food to assure safety and quality standards are met; monitor water temperatures to assure proper temperature for sanitizing.
6. Serve food according to established guidelines and replenish serving containers as needed; serve and sell lunch items to faculty.
7. Clean cafeteria equipment, utensils and appliances and store food supplies; assure compliance with kitchen sanitation and safety procedures and regulations; clean refrigerators and storerooms as required.
8. Assist in storing unused food and supplies; dispose of unusable leftovers; utilize proper methods of handling foods to be stored.
9. Operate a variety of standard kitchen utensils and equipment including chopper, mixer, steamer, electric warmer, range, oven, cash register, dishwasher and other cafeteria equipment as required.
10. Train and provide work direction to others as directed by the manager/ASM.
11. Record amounts of food sold and monies collected as assigned; assist with inventory and maintain routine records as directed; prepare records of foods cooked and foods left over.
12. Prepare and bake food for special events as needed; assist with catering or special events, as required.
13. Maintain regular, predictable and punctual attendance during regularly scheduled work hours.
14. Assist in other food service areas as needed; collect money and make correct change.
15. (8341) Has the flexibility to travel between multiple locations as needed to meet departmental demands.
16. (8341) Must be willing to work flexible hours ranging from 5:00am-2:30pm as well as the ability to work district wide in any OPS cafeteria.
17. Performs other duties that may not specifically be covered in this general job description, as assigned by the School Food Service Manager/Assistant Manager/Food Service Director/Principal.
18. Acts in accordance with the by-laws and policies as set forth by the Owensboro Board of Education, KRS and KAR, and applicable Federal laws and regulations.
19. Demonstrates loyalty and dedication to the purposes and goals of the Owensboro Public Schools.
20. Participate in and successfully complete planned training programs.
21. Understand and follow oral and written directions.
22. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Indoor/outdoor environment.  Required to go in and out of the walk-in freezer and refrigerator. Requires working with or near the public, parents, and children and will be subject to heat, cold, sounds, scents, and other related environmental factors. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (example) 

1. Lifting/pulling/pushing up to 50 lbs.
2. Standing for long periods of time.
3. Hand and finger dexterity.
4. Repetitive movements.
5. Movements such as walking/bending throughout a typical work day.

EVALUATION: 

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy for the Classified Evaluation Plan.  Evaluation will be conducted by the Cafeteria Manager with input from the Assistant Manager, Food Service Director and Building Principal.

OTHER FACTORS:

Classified salary schedule

Classified benefits package

182 days per year

Pay rate $13.25-$16.02 per hour, contingent on verified experience.

FLSA Classification: Nonexempt

Must complete onboarding and on the job training deemed necessary by school food service personnel. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Location, duties, responsibilities may be altered to meet the needs of the district. Contracts are with the district of Owensboro Public Schools-not with the individual locations. Location assignments are subject to change. Equal Education and Employment Opportunities M/F/D

Salary : $13 - $16