Assistant Cook

Mississippi State University; Mississippi; On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Hancock County seeks an Assistant Cook to support meal production for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. This full-time position requires adherence to USDA guidelines while preparing nutritious meals and maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Candidates should possess a high school diploma, relevant experience in food preparation, and strong communication skills. The role involves active participation in planning and delivering meals while ensuring a safe kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Two years experience in purchasing and preparing culturally diverse foods for groups.
• ServSafe Certification or ability to obtain it within 3 months.
• Valid Driver’s License required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in food production and preparation according to USDA guidelines.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety standards in the kitchen.
• Monitor food inventory and place orders as needed.

Skills

Knowledge of early childhood nutrition

Effective communication

Ability to work independently

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Excel

MS Office

Job description

Apply now Job no: 510393
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 012102 - Human Sciences- Early Childhood
Location: Hancock County
Categories: Support Staff, Head Start Positions
Position Open Date: Apr 2 2026

The Assistant Cook is responsible for assisting the Cook with production/preparation, food purchases, and service of meals in accordance with established United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and State guidelines and standards of nutrition, health, and sanitation. This employee will assist in the planning of nutritious meals and snacks for Head Start students, parents and teachers and perform administrative tasks in support of the food preparation process, including documentation and maintenance of records. Noise level could be moderate to loud in the center and kitchen. Employee must be able to work in close quarters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Assistant Cook is responsible for assisting in the implementation of food services in a Head Start/Early Head Start program serving children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Responsibilities include assisting in preparing attractive, USDA-approved meals; keeping the kitchen clean and sanitary according to Health Department ordinances; and maintaining adequate food stocks, kitchen supplies, and food service records.

• Nutritious Cooking:
  • Understand and use child nutritional needs and age‑specific portion sizes to prepare meals in accordance with USDA guidelines.
  • Understand and strictly adhere to health, safety, food handling, and sanitation requirements before, during and after meal preparation.
  • Follow menu guidelines and adjust when necessary due to availability of menu items or an individual child’s needs.
• Food Services:
  • Prepare assigned menu and participate in family‑style meals with children, volunteers, and staff.
  • Work in conjunction with the Cook to monitor family‑style dining in classrooms and document as appropriate.
  • Maintain food service record‑keeping and reporting as directed by supervisor.
  • Conduct weekly inventory of food and supplies.
  • Complete weekly food and supplies order sheets and fax to Headquarters.
  • Check food deliveries for accuracy and for good quality; notify Headquarters when an item is missing or of poor quality.
  • Store food and supplies properly; date all canned, boxed and bagged foods; use the FIFO method of inventory.
  • Monitor and maintain proper food temperatures; monitor and maintain proper temperatures of all refrigerator and freezers.
  • Maintain appropriate cleanliness of all kitchen materials and supplies as required.
  • Maintain list and be aware of center food allergies and concerns; prepare alternate menu items as needed for affected children.
  • Assist in delivery of food to classrooms and of dirty dishes from the classroom.
• Non‑Essential Duties:
  • Perform any and all other duties (or functions) as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma or GED.
• Experience: Two (2) years’ experience in purchasing and preparing culturally diverse foods for groups.
• Substitution: An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.
• Licensure: Valid Driver’s License and the ability to travel as required during performance of assigned tasks. Background check is required. ServSafe Certification or obtain such certification within 3 months.

Preferred Qualifications

• ServSafe Certification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of early childhood nutrition.
• Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated computer literacy skills, especially Excel and basic data systems in MS Office and internet navigation.
• Must be honest, dependable and able to meet deadlines.
• Self‑motivated and able to work independently.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Physical Requirements:

• A physical exam is required.
• Ability to stand, walk, and bend periodically.
• Ability to engage in repetitive movement of wrists, hands, and fingers – typing and/or writing.
• Ability to work frequently at close visual range (e.g., preparing and analyzing data and figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal, extensive reading).
• Ability to receive and respond to oral communication.
• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

Work Environment:

• Noise level in the work environment is moderate to occasionally loud.
• Standard office equipment generally used includes telephone, personal computer (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) or tablet, printer/photocopy machine, calculator, fax machine. May be required to operate a motor vehicle during the course of duties.

All applicants MUST apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered for this position.

Required application documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Contact information for at least three professional references

Screening Date: Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [phone] or [e-mail].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

Assistant Cook 012102 - Human Sciences- Early Childhood Hancock County Open until filled