What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Cook position at Ravalli Head Start, Inc.?
Lead Cook – Join Bitterroot’s Best Child Care!
Come work for 2024 & 2025’s Bitterroot’s Best Child Care and be part of a team that nourishes children in more ways than one. We’re looking for a reliable, team-oriented Lead Cook to support our kitchen operations and help provide healthy, delicious meals to the children in our care.
What You’ll Love About This Role
Schedule:
- 32 hours/week
- Monday–Thursday (one half-day Friday per month)
- year-round position
Benefits:
- Employer-paid health insurance
- Low-cost optional benefits: dental, vision, life, long-term disability, critical illness, accident, and FSA
- Access to 2 Employee Assistance Programs
- Generous vacation & personal leave
- 12 paid holidays
- 401(k) eligibility after 1 year
- Eligible employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
What You’ll Do
- Food Preparation & Service
- Meal planning, preparation, and serving in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and USDA requirements
- Purchase and properly store food in a clean, organized, and sanitary manner
- Prepare meals and accommodate special diets or cultural food needs (with support as needed)
- Assist with delivering meals to classrooms
- Sanitation & Safety
- Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen daily
- Clean refrigerators, cupboards, and storage areas regularly
- Follow state sanitation guidelines for food storage
- Properly clean and sanitize dishes and utensils (dishwasher or three-step method)
- Record Keeping
- Maintain and post monthly menus, noting any changes
- Track daily meal attendance
- Complete all required daily and weekly checklists
- Team Support
- Provide general support to the Cook and kitchen operations
- Step in as a substitute cook when needed
- Work collaboratively with staff and build positive relationships with families
- Support children with patience and care during mealtimes
- Uphold the Head Start Mealtime Philosophy
- Training & Development
- Attend required trainings, meetings, and workshops
- Stay current on food safety and nutrition standards
What You Bring
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Food service experience
- Strong attention to cleanliness, organization, and safety
- Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
- A positive, patient approach when interacting with children
Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs
- Comfortable working with cleaning/sanitizing chemicals and kitchen equipment
- Ability to stand, bend, reach, kneel, and move throughout the day
- Sufficient vision, hearing, and dexterity to perform job duties
- Work is primarily in a kitchen environment, with occasional time in other areas for meetings or activities
Why Ravalli Head Start?
At Ravalli Head Start, we believe food is more than fuel—it’s connection, culture, and care. You’ll play a key role in supporting children’s health and development while being part of a mission-driven organization that truly values its team.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $16.38 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Vision insurance
Shift:
- Day shift
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Cooking: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $16