Lead Cook

• Supervise and assist kitchen staff in the preparation and service of meals that meet CACFP nutrition guidelines.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including cooking, food preparation, inventory control, and food production.
• Monitor portion sizes and ensure age-appropriate servings are prepared and distributed.
• Participate in menu planning and suggest improvements based on meal observation and feedback.
• Help plan and assist with breakroom snacks and special events.
• Assist in ordering and receiving supplies and ingredients, ensuring proper storage and rotation (FIFO).

• Complete and maintain all CACFP-required documentation, including production records, portion logs, and temperature logs.
• Ensure compliance with USDA CACFP guidelines and Dallas County Health Department standards at all times.
• Communicate regularly with the Food Service Director regarding performance, needs, or compliance issues.

• Ensure kitchen cleanliness, proper sanitation, and strict adherence to food safety practices at all times.
• Follow and enforce established kitchen sanitation and cleanliness standards; develop and restructure procedures as necessary to maintain quality.
• Maintain the highest standards of personal hygiene and ensure multi-use areas are kept clean and equipment properly stored.
• Demonstrate an active concern for children's physical health and safety and take corrective action when needed.

• Train and support new kitchen staff in kitchen procedures and CACFP expectations.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable kitchen team culture aligned with Vogel's mission and values.

• Experienced: You have a minimum of 2 years of experience in a commercial or institutional kitchen, with at least 1 year in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Compliance-Knowledgeable: You have a working knowledge of CACFP guidelines, or you're willing and eager to complete CACFP training.
• Certified: You hold a Food Handler's Certification (required); a Food Manager's Certification is preferred.
• Food Safety-Focused: You have a strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization and take those standards seriously every single day.
• Detail-Oriented: You are able to complete accurate records and follow state and federal documentation requirements with consistency.
• A Communicator: You have strong interpersonal and communication skills and can work effectively with a collaborative kitchen team and organizational leadership.
• Mission-Minded: You demonstrate compassion, patience, and respect for the children and families Vogel serves.

• Ability to stand and walk continuously for extended periods, up to 8-10 hours per shift.
• Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist while preparing food, stocking supplies, and cleaning work areas.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, including food products, kitchen equipment, and supply deliveries.
• Ability to occasionally lift items weighing up to 75 pounds with assistance or appropriate equipment.
• Ability to reach overhead and below waist level to retrieve supplies and stock shelves.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate kitchen equipment safely, including knives, slicers, mixers, ovens, grills, steamers, and other commercial food service equipment.
• Ability to use hands and fingers for repetitive tasks such as chopping, mixing, portioning, and handling utensils.
• Ability to climb step stools or ladders to access stored supplies.
• Ability to maintain balance while carrying trays, pans, and containers of food.
• Ability to work in confined kitchen spaces with frequent movement around hot equipment and other employees.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to varying temperatures, including hot kitchens, ovens, steam, freezers, and walk-in refrigerators.
• Ability to work around cleaning chemicals, sanitizers, food allergens, grease, and other substances commonly found in commercial kitchens while following appropriate safety procedures.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including slip-resistant footwear, gloves, aprons, hair restraints, and other protective gear as required.
• Ability to maintain visual acuity to monitor food quality, read recipes, labels, thermometers, and safety information.
• Ability to hear and effectively communicate with staff in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies or changing operational needs.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Salary : $23 - $25