High School Cook

Job Description

Job Title: Cook
Reports to: Kitchen Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Status: Part time 6 hr
Starting Salary: $18.00 per hour. Additional compensation is available for qualifying experience, education, food safety certification

Basic Function

Responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, appealing meals in accordance with USDA regulations, district recipes, and food safety standards. Maintains a clean, organized kitchen while supporting efficient daily meal service for students and staff.

Essential Functions

• Prepare breakfast and lunch menu items according to standardized recipes and production schedules.
• Cook and assemble menu items using commercial kitchen equipment while maintaining product quality and portion consistency.
• Support district scratch cooking initiatives and implement standardized recipes.
• Prepare fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients for meal service.
• Set up serving lines and ensure food is held and served at proper temperatures.
• Accurately portion and replenish food throughout meal service.
• Operate the point-of-sale system and serve students as assigned.
• Provide excellent customer service while building positive relationships with students, staff, and coworkers.
• Follow standardized recipes and portion sizes to support nutritional compliance and cost control.
• Complete required production records, temperature logs, and other documentation accurately and on time.
• Receive, rotate, label, and properly store food and supplies using FIFO inventory practices.
• Assist with inventory management by notifying leadership of supply needs and maintaining appropriate stock levels.
• Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, serving areas, and dishwashing areas in accordance with food safety and sanitation standards.
• Participate in the daily rotation of dishwashing, cleaning, and other kitchen support duties.
• Follow all federal, state, and local food safety regulations, including HACCP procedures.
• Support special meals, catering, and district events as assigned.
• Assist with training new employees as requested.
• Fill in other positions as needed.

Specifications/Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Food service or commercial kitchen experience preferred.
• ServSafe certification or equivalent food safety training preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow standardized recipes and verbal instructions with attention to detail.

Physical, Mental, and Visual Effort

Continuous speaking, hearing, and visual effort. Frequent walking, standing, bending, lifting, reaching, pushing, and pulling. Mobility required. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in a school kitchen setting. Frequently exposed to heat, steam, cleaning chemicals, noise, and commercial kitchen equipment. Work involves standing for extended periods while maintaining a fast-paced work environment. Regular work hours and days are established by the Board-approved calendar.