Prep Cook / Dishwasher

WHO WE ARE

Heartwood Community School and Heartwood Community Preschools are sister schools in Jasper County, SC.

• Heartwood Community School is a community-focused, tuition-free charter school serving Jasper, Beaufort, and Hampton Counties in South Carolina.
• Heartwood Community Preschool is a private, non-profit 501c3.

We believe in educating the whole child—nurturing each student academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Honoring every child’s unique journey, we bridge home and school to foster a compassionate, empowering environment where students feel seen and valued.

Our mission goes beyond academics; we guide students to become resilient problem-solvers, compassionate community builders, globally minded citizens, emotionally intelligent leaders, and lifelong learners. Embracing mistakes as part of growth, we equip students to thrive in school and life—ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

OUR SCHOOL FOOD PHILOSOPHY

At Heartwood Community School, we believe that providing students with fresh, wholesome meals is foundational to student success. Our meal program prioritizes health, safety, and nutrition. We aspire to provide all of our students with delicious, nutritious meals made from scratch - at no cost to families.

Students at Heartwood dine family-style. Lunchtime is a learning opportunity, and a time for the entire school to be in community with one another. Students also participate in meal service and clean-up, so they learn how everyone can contribute to a creating a clean, welcoming environment.

As part of the nutrition team, you would play a vital role in fostering a positive dining experience that meets the diverse dietary needs of our PreK-8th grade students while upholding the school’s values of care, community, and excellence.

THE ROLE

Heartwood Community School is seeking a dedicated and dependable School Kitchen Cook to join our Nutrition Services team. This essential role supports the planning, preparation, and service of nutritious meals that fuel the bodies and minds of our students and staff. This individual will help maintain a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen environment and ensure compliance with all school, state, and federal food safety regulations.

If you’re passionate about food service, enjoy working with children, and value a clean, organized kitchen, we encourage you to apply and become part of our mission to nourish our school community.

Responsibilities:

Meal Preparation & Service

• Prepare and cook breakfast and lunch items according to school-approved recipes and meal schedules.
• Wash, peel, chop, and portion ingredients to support daily meal prep.
• Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines during all food handling tasks.
• Assist with plating and timely service of meals to students and staff.

Kitchen Sanitation & Clean-Up

• Wash, rinse, and sanitize all dishes, kitchenware, and equipment used during food prep and service.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen floors, counters, storage areas, and prep stations throughout the day.
• Ensure proper disposal of food waste, recycling, and compost in line with school procedures.

Inventory Management & Supply Support

• Monitor food and cleaning supply levels and alert the Executive Sous Chef when inventory is low.
• Assist with receiving, organizing, and storing food and supply deliveries.
• Rotate food inventory regularly to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage.

Compliance & Safety

• Adhere to all health and safety regulations, including allergen handling and food storage requirements.
• Stay up to date with food service policies, including those from the local health department and USDA guidelines.
• Participate in school and health department inspections as needed.

Team Contribution & School Culture

• Collaborate with kitchen team members to maintain a positive, respectful, and efficient work environment.
• Build rapport with students and staff through courteous and friendly service.
• Represent Heartwood Community School’s values in all interactions and kitchen responsibilities.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Knowledge of food safety practices (ServSafe certification preferred or willingness to obtain).
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills.
• Ability to multitask and remain calm in a fast-paced environment.
• Dependable, punctual, and proactive team player.
• Ability to stand for long periods, lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), and work in a fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 3 years of experience in banquets/catering, school food service, commercial kitchens, or institutional nutrition required.

Compensation:

To uphold our commitment to equitable and fair compensation, we offer a competitive salary and have a no-negotiation policy.

We are committed to building a best in class team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Additionally, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time hires, including and not limited to:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Tax Favored Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Retirement Plans

Salary : $80,000