Child Nutrition - Assistant Cook Manager

Pay

PSE Salary Schedule Level 4 – $24.11 per hour.

Schedule

6.5 hours per day, 171 days per year; 4 hours per day, 9 days per year; 8 hours per day, 1 day per year.

General Summary

This position's responsibilities are to assist a Cook Manager at an assigned central kitchen. Responsibilities include preparing, cooking and serving food to staff and students; coordinating kitchen staff; and providing a safe and sanitary cafeteria environment. The position may also assist in filling and shipping food orders placed by other school locations.

Essential Functions

• Assists the Cook Manager in planning, organization, coordination and operation of a school cafeteria with an on‑site kitchen.
• Prepares and cooks food from scratch in large quantities (1,500 servings or more).
• Assists the Cook Manager in the ordering of food items and supplies.
• Assists in taking inventory of food and supplies.
• Coordinates work schedules with Cook Manager and kitchen staff; promotes team cooperation.
• Assists in maintaining a safe and sanitary cafeteria and kitchen operation; maintains standards for safe food storage and preparation.
• Cleans floors and equipment; launders kitchen clothing and towels.
• If assigned to a central kitchen which serves satellites, assists in the preparation and delivery of meals to assigned elementary schools and other locations.
• May assist in coordinating with satellite school staff to determine number of meals needed.
• Sells food tickets to students.
• May assist Cook Manager in maintaining records and cash counts as required.
• Provides direction to helpers as needed; provides guidance, training and instruction in proper food handling, serving and sanitation; monitors and corrects helpers' behavior.
• Moves into Cook Manager's position when necessary.
• May serve on various district committees and/or departmental work teams.
• Models appropriate and cooperative behavior, including protecting confidential information, consistent with district ethical guidelines.
• Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Director of Child Nutrition. Receives guidance from the Cook Manager.

Mental Demands

Performs under strict meal deadlines; required to time multiple tasks for completion in proper sequence; required to anticipate quantities and order for cost efficiency and proper storage.

Physical Demands

Required to stand for prolonged periods; required to lift and position heavy food and supplies weighing up to fifty (50) pounds; exposed to high noise levels from kitchen equipment; required to maintain safety awareness; exposed to sharp cutting and slicing equipment and hot surfaces; occasionally required to attend evening meetings; potentially exposed to ordinary infectious diseases carried by students; may need to take precautions to avoid exposure to cleaners and fumes; required to wear protective clothing; may be required to operate a motor vehicle. Passage of a pre‑placement physical and testing is required (the district will assume the cost).

Minimum Qualifications

Education, training, skills, and experience necessary to carry out the assignment, including two (2) years of experience in commercial, institutional or school food service; lead or supervisory experience preferred. SNA (State Nutrition Association) certification required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, regulations and policies governing school nutrition services programs.
• Knowledge of food production and serving in large quantities.
• Knowledge of nutritional value of different types of food.
• Knowledge of offer‑vs‑serve meal pattern requirements.
• Skill in food production and preparation.
• Knowledge of sanitation and safety standards and procedures, including working knowledge of the district's infection control plan.
• Ability to make effective decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of others.

Licenses / Special Requirements

• Fingerprinting and background check to determine no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury or neglect of a minor.
• Completion of training in and adherence to the district infection control plan.
• Valid Washington state food handler's permit.
• SNA (State Nutrition Association) certification required.
• Some positions may require a valid Washington state driver's license and a good driving record.