What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chef/Cook - Central Kitchen Morgantown position at Healthy Kids Inc.?
ABOUT HEALTHY KIDS INC.
Healthy Kids Inc. prepares up to 1,500 meals each day from our Morgantown Central Kitchen for childcare centers and schools across the region.
We believe children deserve meals made with real food. We prioritize from-scratch cooking, real and recognizable ingredients, local West Virginia products whenever possible, and food that is both nourishing and kid-friendly. Our standards go beyond minimum program requirements because the health of the children we serve is at the heart of every decision.
We are not a traditional institutional kitchen, and we are definitely not a heat-and-serve operation. We cook real food for kids, at scale.
POSITION SUMMARY
We are looking for a dependable, energetic Cook or Chef to join our Morgantown Central Kitchen team.
The rhythm of our kitchen combines the hustle and urgency of a restaurant rush with the planning and organization of large-batch catering. The difference is that our meals are created specifically for children and schools. Every morning, our team works together to prepare, portion, pack, and send up to 1,500 meals out the door accurately and on time.
This is a hands-on cooking position with a strong focus on from-scratch preparation. The right person enjoys working with real ingredients, takes pride in producing consistent food in large quantities, and can move with purpose in a fast-paced kitchen without sacrificing quality or food safety.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare ingredients and cook food in large batches using established menus and standardized recipes.
- Make sauces, proteins, grains, vegetables, baked items, and other meal components from scratch whenever possible.
- Follow recipes, yields, measurements, portions, and preparation instructions so food remains consistent from day to day.
- Help ensure meals are prepared, portioned, packed, labeled, loaded, and ready for delivery accurately and on time.
- Safely operate commercial kitchen equipment and maintain an organized workstation.
- Follow all food-safety, sanitation, temperature-control, and allergen protocols.
- Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, and storage spaces throughout the workday.
- Receive food and supply deliveries and help verify quantity, quality, and condition.
- Assist with inventory counts, stock rotation, and the organization of coolers, freezers, dry storage, and production areas.
- Reduce food waste through careful preparation, accurate portions, and responsible use of ingredients.
- Communicate clearly with kitchen leadership and teammates about production needs, shortages, timing, and potential problems.
- Move between cooking, preparation, portioning, packing, loading, cleaning, and other kitchen responsibilities as production needs change.
THE FEEL OF OUR KITCHEN
Our mornings move quickly. There are deadlines, changing meal counts, multiple menu components, special dietary needs, and delivery routes that all have to come together at the right time.
It takes teamwork, organization, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm while moving with urgency. It also takes heart. The meals leaving our kitchen are going to children, and that purpose matters.
Every team member helps protect the Healthy Kids vibe: a culture where people work hard, support one another, communicate openly, solve problems without drama, maintain high standards, and still have fun together.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Prior cooking or commercial kitchen experience preferred.
- Experience with from-scratch cooking, batch cooking, catering, institutional food service, school nutrition, or high-volume production is helpful.
- Strong foundational cooking skills and comfort working with real, whole ingredients.
- Ability to follow standardized recipes, measurements, portions, and production instructions accurately.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to food quality.
- Dependable attendance and the ability to arrive ready to work by 6:00 AM.
- Reliable personal transportation to and from the Morgantown Central Kitchen.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing safety or quality.
- Positive, team-focused attitude and willingness to help wherever production needs arise.
- Current Monongalia County Food Handler’s Card or willingness to obtain one at employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is a physical, hands-on kitchen position. The role requires prolonged standing and walking; regular lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds; frequent reaching, bending, and repetitive motion; and working around heat, steam, refrigeration, sharp equipment, and common food allergens.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
SCHEDULE
Full-time, Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM. No evening or weekends required
COMPENSATION
Hourly, commensurate with experience.
Healthy Kids Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.
www.healthykidsinc.com
Work Location: In person