Lead Cook

Proposed start date: 09/01/2026. Full-time (1.0 FTE), represented by SEIU/OPEU Local 503.

About the Department

Helen Gordon Child Development Center (HGCDC) and Helen Gordon Infant/Toddler Center (HGITC) are full-day children’s programs for Portland State University, serving children aged six weeks to five years. Located on the PSU campus in downtown Portland, the Centers provide model early childhood programs for the children of Portland State University students, faculty and staff, and the Portland community. The Centers are a laboratory for students and faculty participating in observation, practice and research activities in Early Childhood Education, Child, Youth and Family Studies, psychology, and related fields. HGCDC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

About the Role

The Lead Cook assists the Food Program Coordinator in preparing three nutritious meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack) for the children of the program. Responsibilities include following USDA/CACFP guidelines for ordering food and kitchen supplies, menu planning, inventory, writing recipes, and organizing and maintaining a full-service kitchen. The Lead Cook also assists in delegating and overseeing daily kitchen operations, meal preparation, clean-up, and ensuring meals accommodate food allergies and family preferences.

Responsibilities

• Prepare three nutritious meals daily (breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack) following USDA/CACFP guidelines.
• Assist with ordering food and kitchen supplies, menu planning, inventory, and recipe development.
• Organize and maintain a full-service kitchen.
• Delegate and oversee daily kitchen operations, including meal preparation and clean-up.
• Ensure meals are individualized to accommodate food allergies and family preferences.

Requirements

• Two years of cooking experience in an institution or commercial firm serving complete meals; OR
• An Associate’s degree in Food Service Management, Foods and Hospitality Service, or a directly-related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with young children.
• Prior experience with childcare, school, or institutional food service.
• Knowledge of USDA/CACFP program guidelines.

Key Competencies

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adheres to all PSU policies, including those on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
• Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Pay

The starting salary rate for this position will be between $19.36 and $21.91 per hour. The starting salary may be negotiable above this range, depending on the knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities of the chosen candidate, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

Benefits

• 95% premium-paid healthcare.
• Generous retirement and vacation package.
• Reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse, or dependent at any of the Oregon Public Universities.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. Schedule to be determined.