Elementary Head Cook

Job Description

WACO Community School District
2026–2027 School Year
Starting Wage: $13.90/hour
Competitive Pay • Supportive Team Environment

POSITION SUMMARY

WACO Community School District is seeking a dependable, organized, and team-oriented Head Cook at our Elementary to lead daily kitchen operations and provide nutritious, high-quality meals to students and staff. The Head Cook plays an important role in maintaining a safe, welcoming, and efficient food service program while supporting student success.

QUALIFICATIONS

General Qualifications

• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, and community members
• Basic computer skills and ability to use lunch management software
• Ability to work effectively toward district goals

Food Service Qualifications

• Prior experience in institutional or school food service preferred
• Experience planning and preparing large-scale meals preferred
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• Ability to follow standardized recipes and preparation procedures
• ServSafe Certification or within 6 months of hire.

REPORTS TO

• Building Principal
• Nutrition Director

SUPERVISES

• Assistant cooks
• Substitute cooks

JOB GOAL

To provide students, staff, and visitors with nutritious meals in an atmosphere of cleanliness, efficiency, cheerfulness, and personal care.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Food Preparation & Service

• Supervises the preparation and serving of meals
• Ensures food is served efficiently and effectively
• Ensures meals are prepared according to approved menus and recipes
• Supervises planning and preparation of special meals for district events as assigned

Kitchen Operations

• Maintains standards of cleanliness, health, and safety
• Ensures daily cleanup of kitchen and serving areas
• Ensures refrigerators and storage rooms are properly cleaned and maintained
• Ensures proper storage and security of food and supplies

Inventory & Purchasing

• Assists the Nutrition Director with ordering food and supplies
• Verifies food deliveries and invoices for accuracy
• Maintains required production records, temperature logs, and operational records

Communication & Program Support

• Works cooperatively with administration, cooks, teachers, students, booster groups, and community organizations
• Communicates menus and menu changes to students and staff
• Assists with monitoring the food service budget

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment is in accordance with WACO Community School District Board policies, negotiated agreements, and individual employment contracts.

EVALUATION

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with district policies and applicable agreements.