Cook

Cook Job Description

MISSION STATEMENT:

Pleasant Grove Child Development Center is a mission of the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church of Charlotte, North Carolina. Our central purpose is to provide the children of our church and community with a strong Christian education in a loving and nurturing environment. Our goal is to help our students develop spiritually, intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. Our program is open to all children and staff regardless of racial or economic background.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Cook manages and leads the food service operations for the childcare center. This role takes structural ownership of preparing and serving nutritious, balanced meals and snacks for children. The cook maintains a clean, safe kitchen environment in full compliance with health department regulations and licensing requirements, and collaborates with administration to manage inventory and food operations.

HOURS: Full-Time (Monday–Friday, 6:45 AM – 2:45 PM)

REPORTS TO: PGCDC Administrative Team

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Food & Supply Ordering: Work collaboratively with Administration to track inventory and make sure all food and supply orders are completed before or by the designated deadline to ensure that the school stays in strict compliance with local and state regulations.

· Food Preparation: Direct and execute the washing, chopping, measuring, and cooking of ingredients for scheduled daily meals and snacks.

· Meal Service: Plan and portion food distribution to classrooms according to established nutritional guidelines and specific age groups.

· Dietary Awareness: Closely monitor and follow instructions to prepare reliable allergen-free or special dietary restriction meals.

· Kitchen Sanitation: Wash, sanitize, and properly store dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and commercial food service equipment throughout the shift.

· Facility Maintenance: Clean kitchen workspaces, counters, appliances, floors, and food storage areas daily to maintain a first-class facility.

· Stock Rotation: Oversee the unpacking of grocery deliveries, organize shelves, and rotate stock using first-in, first-out (FIFO) methods.

· Safety Adherence: Follow all safety guidelines for food handling, kitchen equipment operation, and general childcare center licensing.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

· Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required.

· Experience: Previous experience in a kitchen, cafeteria, or commercial food service environment.

· Background Check & Training:

o Must successfully pass a criminal background check, fingerprinting, and required medical screenings (e.g., TB test).

o Must complete the NC Health and Safety Training as required by the State of North Carolina.

o Must complete the Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment Training as required by the State of North Carolina.

o Must obtain and remain current/up to date on Infant, Child, and Adult CPR/First Aid Certification.

o Must obtain and maintain current ServSafe certification, as well as complete any additional training that Administration deems necessary to support the well-being of the kitchen team and center.

· Skills: Strong ability to lead kitchen operations, follow recipes, manage schedules, and work efficiently within the administrative team to meet strict meal deadlines.

· Physical Demands: Ability to stand for long periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and work safely around hot surfaces and commercial kitchen tools.

Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid training

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $17