Lead Cook (Continuous)

Position Overview

The Lead Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking large batches of food that will be served to students. Duties/Responsibilities include:

• Prepares all menu items for breakfast and lunch with staff based on prior production as needed.
• Uses standardized recipes to ensure proper preparation, nutritional values, and portion sizes.
• Takes hot and cold temperatures of all foods at each serving period and logs in production record.
• Manages food prep so that there is enough food and little waste.
• Responsible for breakfast and lunch tick sheets (if directed by a manager).
• Completes production records daily.
• Serves students on the line during service times, or remains in kitchen to cook, as manager directs.
• Maintains a clean working environment.
• Follows Serv-Safe procedures at all times.
• Prepares orders as requested by Food Service Director/ Food Service Manager.
• Aids in stock rotation and putting orders away.
• Ensures that inventory sheets on freezer are filled out correctly and are updated daily.
• Manages other employees so that everyone is clocked out at the end of the shift as soon as all work is completed, within scheduled hours.
• Must be available to work occasional catered school functions as needed.
• Responsible for the cooking, serving, and documenting meals and snacks for a K-8 school program.
• Oversees and directs workers assisting with the preparation and serving of meals.
• Arranges food and beverage items (e.g., placing in steam tables, a la carte trays, filling racks, mobile carts, etc.) to make items available to students and staff.
• Create and follow menus and handle all phases of kitchen operations, including inventory control.
• Ensures smooth operations and functioning of the kitchen in adherence to health and food safety codes.
• Cleans utensils, equipment, storage, food preparation, and serving areas to maintain sanitary conditions.
• Maintains strict cleanliness of the kitchen, food service, and storage areas.
• Collects payments for food items from students and staff to complete transactions and secure funds for reimbursement of costs.
• Inspects food items, work areas, etc. (e.g., personal hygiene, proper food temperatures, etc.) to prevent cross contamination of food-borne illnesses.
• Loads carts, food warmers, trays, etc., to ensure that food and beverage items are available for transporting to other sites (by assignment).
• Serves one or more food items to meet mandated nutritional requirements and requests and students and school personnel.
• Uses proper body mechanics and cleaning procedures to prevent accidental injuries to self and others.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED required.
• Vocational school coursework in kitchen basics, such as food safety, preferred.
• Cooking experience along with menu and food preparation in a cafeteria setting, preferred.
• Prior experience working in schools and urban communities is preferred but not required.
• Aptitude to create and work within an inclusive environment that honors and supports a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods were spent sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the school and other facilities as needed.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee needs to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use fingers to type, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance; stoop/bend and reach, kneel, crouch or crawl;
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.

Work Perks

• Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Aggressive employer 403(b) contribution match.
• Childcare benefits.
• Unparalleled work/life Integration.
• Casual dress code.
• Relocation stipend (conditions apply).