Preschool Chef

This position supports the Daybreak Star Preschool by overseeing all aspects of the kitchen operation and ensuring high-quality, nutritious meals for children. The Preschool Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks that reflect culturally rich, chef-driven menus featuring locally sourced Pacific Northwest ingredients and Native American foods and traditions.

The role includes managing all food ordering and inventory, as well as overseeing food-specific grants and partnerships to ensure compliance, sustainability, and alignment with program goals. This position requires strong culinary skills, collaboration, organizational abilities, and the capacity to maintain a safe, efficient, and welcoming kitchen environment for our preschool community while remaining in full compliance with licensing and health regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

· High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

· Valid Food Handler's Card prior to the first day of employment

· Driver’s license

· Ability to work independently and receive instructions

· Must be willing to participate in staff training and development opportunities.

· Demonstrate good written and oral communication skills

· Demonstrate enthusiasm for cooking, including using locally sourced ingredients, Native American and Coast Salish foods, and creativity

· Must pass a criminal history/background check

· Previous training and knowledge related to leadership, CACFP requirements, menu planning for school programs, and ordering food within program budgets is strongly preferred

· 4 years’ experience in food preparation or Sous Chef

· 1-2 years’ experience in kitchen management preferred

· Experience with Office 365, Outlook, and SharePoint a plus

SHIFT AVAILABILITY

· 7:30 am to 4:00 pm or 7:30 am – 3:30 pm; Monday -Friday on Daybreak Star Preschool Schedule

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

· Supervise all aspects of the daily culinary operation, including the quality of the food, product inventory, and proper safety, hygiene, and sanitation practices.

· Plan menus, order food/supplies, and prepare food/snacks for preschool classrooms, family meetings and gatherings, school field trips, and other special events as assigned in a timely manner.

· Ensure a high quality of freshness for food and all related ingredients.

· Be aware of and ensure no cross-contamination for dietary needs (allergies, vegan, vegetarian). Able to adapt recipes to meet dietary needs and preferences (i.e., vegan, vegetarian, allergies, religious, etc.).

· Oversee food preparation, including portioning, plating, and presentation.

· Able to safely operate and maintain a commercial kitchen and equipment.

· Inspect supplies, equipment, and work areas for cleanliness and functionality.

· Ensure proper food temperatures are maintained and food is stored correctly; monitor and record refrigerator and freezer temperatures daily.

· Maintain safe and sanitary conditions in the storage, preparation, and service of food. Using accepted procedures.

· Ensure that walk-in and in-room refrigerators and walk-in, chest, and spare freezers are cleaned on a regular schedule and are maintained in an organized manner.

· Ensure the proper rotation, labeling and dating of all products.

· Perform opening, closing and side work duties as instructed and according to proper guidelines.

· Familiarity and compliance with all food safety, health codes and other regulations and policies related to the job.

· Report all hazards or accidents immediately.

· Work closely with our Preschool Director and/or Events Manager to help problem-solve issues that come up during the meal service.

· Obtain and utilize feedback from the Preschool Director and classroom staff on a regular basis regarding menus and child food preferences. Ensure that children with special nutrition needs receive appropriate meals.

· Accept critical feedback in a positive and professional manner when necessary.

· Familiarity and compliance with all food safety, health codes, and other regulations and policies related to the job including periodic surprise visits from the Department of Health.

· Familiar with Native American and Indigenous recipes and cooking a plus!

· Children should be offered the opportunity to try a variety of healthy foods including a wide array of fruits/vegetables; ensure that foods included on menus are nutritious and primarily low in fat, sugar, and salt. Including whole grains whenever a whole grain option is available.

· Ensure that the kitchen meets standards for food service for City of Seattle preschool programs and passes all inspections. Implement any changes required by feedback from kitchen observations (by program consultants) and inspectors.

· Maintain confidentiality regarding student health and nutrition issues.

· Follow agency policies and procedures as they relate to the job.

· Must provide copies of all certifications required by preschool, within the time due.

Other duties as assigned.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26