Assistant Cook - School Nutrition Professional 6.5 Hrs

Department: Brainerd High School (High Volume Site)
Schedule: 6.5 hours per day, Monday through Friday
Pay: $13.52–$18.36/hour (based on certification and experience)

About the role

Assist in preparing food, serving lines, cafeteria/kitchen clean-up, and point-of-sale operations for the 2026–2027 school year.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing entrees by assembling food items and measuring ingredients according to standardized recipes and proper preparation instructions.
• Assist in serving lunches to students and staff, including setting up the serving line (milk, utensils, supplies), arranging food attractively, portioning food correctly, and ensuring proper food temperatures.
• Perform cafeteria clean-up activities: operate the dishwasher to clean dishes, utensils, pots, and pans; put away dishes, utensils, pans, napkins, and supplies; collect trays and assist in the tray room; wipe tables/counters and sanitize food-service equipment.
• Fill in for other cafeteria employees (head cook, baker, salad bar) to cover breaks and absences.
• Perform related work as assigned by the manager.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Working knowledge of materials, methods, and equipment used in large-scale food preparation.
• Completed coursework in food service (preferred).
• Ability to prepare food on a large scale.
• Working knowledge of food values, nutrition, health, and safety principles.
• Ability to work harmoniously with staff and accept assigned responsibilities.

Physical requirements

• Ability to climb up and down a short step-ladder or stool.
• Ability to lift cases of food weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Lift and organize grocery orders in the cooler/freezer (assistance from custodial staff available if needed).

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability (LTD)
• PERA retirement plan
• 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick/ESST and personal leave