Demo

Chef Assistant

LeafSpring Schools
Matthews, NC Full Time
POSTED ON 5/14/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/12/2026
LeafSpring School is a 5-star, Cognia and NAEYC-accredited Preschool located off interstate 485. We are currently seeking a qualified and experienced Chef Assistant to join our Matthews campus.

You will enjoy a dynamic team environment and unparalleled support from our Administrators and Nurses! Come join the fun!!!

I. General Summary: Responsible for all aspects of food service management, including but not limited to, daily preparation and delivery of the school menu, maintaining food and supply inventories, supporting implementation of family style dining, and adhering to all health, sanitation, and cleaning responsibilities.

II. Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Kitchen Responsibilities
  • Prepares and serves snacks and lunches on time as scheduled.
  • Facilitates family style dining in applicable age groups.
  • Adheres to printed menu. Changes, if made, must be approved by the Director, and are made 24 hours in advance for parents' review.
  • Assists in menu planning and revision of a healthy menu, using seasonal and fresh ingredients as appropriate.
  • Stocks and organizes all food items, incorporating a first in, first out stock rotation system.
  • Operates kitchen within budgetary guidelines.
  • Follows the cleaning schedule as required to maintain the highest sanitation standards.
  • Participates in the management of enrolled children's allergies, including but not limited to maintaining current allergy lists in the kitchen, identifying all children by sight along with their allergy, staying acutely aware of food product substitutions from the supplier, updating recipes, developing food label inventories, and partnering with teachers and parents to safeguard children from allergens.
  • Prepares alternate meals per published school menu options to accommodate certain dietary restrictions of enrolled children, e.g., vegetarian
  • Uses materials and food items in a conservative manner. Stocks kitchen with foods in sufficient quantity to serve the posted menu.
  • Serves as a quality control point for all aspects of food service preparation, delivery, and storage, abiding by local health and sanitation rules.
  • Participates in the orientation of new school personnel with regards to all aspects of food service.
  • Participates in food preparation for special school events and activities as requested.


III. Work Ethic/Team Behaviors

  • Participates in special projects at the request of the Administrative Team.
  • Assists with public relations events (social, parent, special interest).
  • Displays a courteous, positive, and mature attitude.
  • Maintains CPR certification.
  • Maintains First Aid certification.
  • Supports and adheres to all regulations.
  • Maintains ongoing professional growth.
  • Performs other duties as assigned (e.g., site goal responsibilities, designated assignments).


IV. Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • Must demonstrate a love for children and an ability to relate well with them, their families, and teachers.
  • Associates Degree or greater in Nutrition, Food Service and/or Food Service Management Certification (complete within first year of employment) or related field preferred.
  • Maintains safe food service certification.
  • Two-year minimum of food service cooking experience. Coursework or experience in child development preferred.
  • CPR certified or obtains certification within six months of employment.
  • First Aid certified or obtains certification within six months of employment.
  • Work Environment
  • Ability to bend, stoop, twist, kneel, sit, walk, run short distances, stand, reach above head, move up and down from floor to lift children.
  • Must be able to lift a minimum of up to 50 lbs.
  • Must have color/depth perception and fine hand & finger movements.
  • Necessary traits for this position are: Seeing, Hearing, Talking, Reading and Writing.
  • Must have the ability to positively interact with co-workers, parents, children, vendors and other visitors.
  • Working conditions may include exposure to loud noises, odors, fumes from paint or other art materials, temperature variations from either working inside, outside, or in the typically hot temperatures of a kitchen.


LeafSpring School is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment policies and decisions on employment and promotion are based on merit, qualifications, performance, and business needs. The decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees are made in a nondiscriminatory manner, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state, or local statutes. We are a drug-free workplace and any candidates we consider must pass a drug test and background check.

Work Remotely

  • No


Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance


Shift:

  • 8-hour shift
  • Day shift


Experience:

  • Culinary experience: 1 year (Required)
  • Cooking: 1 year (Required)


Work Location: In person

This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchise. All inquiries about employment at this franchise should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to LeafSpring School Corporate.

Salary.com Estimation for Chef Assistant in Matthews, NC
$47,292 to $62,422
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