Assistant Cook

Sylvania; Deer Park (WA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

SEBB benefits

Retirement benefits

Background check provided by district

Job summary

The Deer Park School District #414 is seeking an Assistant Cook at Deer Park Elementary School. Shifts run 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday, for 8 hours per day, with the 2026-2027 salary range noted below.

The assistant supports the Head Cook and Food Services Manager in preparing nutritious meals and keeping a clean, sanitary kitchen, following proper food-handling procedures and safety rules. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be able to obtain a Washington

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Food Worker Card/Permit.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, recipes, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Positive, dependable, and caring attitude toward students and staff.

Responsibilities

• Maintain kitchen appliances and cooking equipment, ensuring they are clean and in good working condition.
• Handle food according to proper sanitation regulations and follow safety standards.
• Assist with food preparation for special events, school functions, or other district-related activities as needed.
• Prepare OSPI and HACCP records as necessary.
• Communicate with the principal and school staff so the necessary support requirements for educational programs may be provided.
• Learn and demonstrate proper cooking methods and techniques.
• Provide a positive, motivating, and caring attitude for students.
• Attend workshops, conferences, and in-service programs to update food service abilities.
• Use and know personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

Skills

Food safety

Teamwork

Communication

Reading & math basics

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Deer Park School District # 414

Assistant Cook Job Description

Days: 8.0 hours per day

Shift: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, Monday-Friday

Location: Deer Park Elementary School

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

The purpose of this position is to assist the Head Cook and Food Services Manager in the preparation and service of nutritious, high-quality meals for students and staff. The Assistant Cook supports daily food service operations by assisting with meal preparation, maintaining a clean and sanitary kitchen environment, following proper food handling and safety procedures, and providing positive and courteous service to students and staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain kitchen appliances and cooking equipment, ensuring they are clean and in good working condition
• Handle food according to proper sanitation regulations and follow safety standards.
• Assist with food preparation for special events, school functions, or other district-related activities as needed.
• Prepare OSPI and HACCP records as necessary.
• Ability to communicate with the principal and school staff so the necessary support requirements for educational programs may be provided.
• Ability to learn and demonstrate proper cooking methods and techniques.
• Positive, motivating, and caring attitude for students and able to supervise and work well.
• Willingness to maintain and update food service abilities by attending workshops, conferences, and in-service programs.
• Use and knowledge of personal protective equipment, i.e., goggles, gloves, cut-resistant gloves, and/or any other provided safety equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Food Worker Card/Permit.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, recipes, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Positive, dependable, and caring attitude toward students and staff.

Preferred:

• Previous experience as a cook, preferably in a school, institutional, commercial, or similar food service setting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Seldom (less than 10%)
• Limited (10-30%)
• Moderate (31-60%)
• Frequent (61-100%)
• Lift assist over 50 lbs
• Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs
• Lifting up to 50 lbs
• Lifting up to 35 lbs
• Exposure to human-borne pathogens
• Exposure to outside elements
• Stooping, bending
• Exposure to extreme Cold (freezer)li>
• Standing
• Sitting
• Twisting, pushing, pulling

As outlined in and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) of Deer Park Public School Employees Association (PSE) and Policies and Procedures of Deer Park School District. CBAs and Salary Schedules can be reviewed from the Human Resources page of the Deer Park School District website: https://www.dpsd.org/page/human-resources

Deer Park policies and Procedures can be accessed online at https://app.eduportal.com/publicfolders/1111511/list/56713

Application Requirements:

• Applicants must complete the application online at www.dpsd.org and must include the following:
• 3 Confidential reference checks (at least 1 including a most recent supervisor)

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

2026-2027 Salary Range: $18.33 - $23.52 per hour, depending on experience. Initial placement is based on applicable experience in accordance with the Public-School Employees (PSE) Collective Bargaining Agreement. Additional compensation may be available as provided in the negotiated agreement. Pay is annualized over 12 months (if hired after Sept., spread over the remaining months of the contract year (Sept-Aug)). Placement is defined within the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and is generally based upon experience.

The contract Year 2026-2027: 8.0 hours per day, Monday – Friday. .

Benefits: Employees anticipated to work more than 630 hours per year will be eligible for Benefits through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Standard benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability.

https://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits/school-employees

Retirement Benefits: Positions anticipated to work 70 hours or more per month for at least 5 months over a 12-month period are eligible for Retirement through the State Department of Retirement Services. https://www.drs.wa.gov/

As required by RCW 28A.400.303, school district employees are required to complete a Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check. Newly hired employees are responsible for the completion of the background check prior to hire. Verification of identity and United States Work Authorization must be completed before employment commences.

Please contact Suzanne McKibbon at 509-464-5526 if disability accommodation is needed during the application process.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Deer Park School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities, including employment, on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to:

• Section 504 Coordinator & Title IX Compliance Coordinator & Civil Rights
• Suzanne McKibbon
• Director of Special Services
• 509-464-5526
• [e-mail]