Chef

Longkettle LLC; Mesquite (TX); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Weekends Off

Personal Kitchen

Career Growth

Creative Environment

Job summary

Fractal Education Group in Texas is seeking a School Chef to plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals for students, meeting dietary needs and preferences. You will educate children about healthy eating and foster a love of good food, while maintaining Fractal standards in an autonomous role.

The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, with a schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in-person at our Texas schools.

Qualifications

• Experience as a chef or cook in a professional kitchen.
• Food Manager certificate or culinary arts degree.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Passion for cooking and child nutrition.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Able to pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious, appealing meals and snacks daily.
• Prepare, cook, and clean to high standards.
• Work with leaders to continually improve the menu.

Skills

Food Safety Knowledge

Time Management

Independent Worker

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

Food Manager certificate or culinary degree

Job description

Description

About Fractal Education Group

Fractal Education owns and operates distinctive early education schools designed to

inspire children, families, and communities across Texas.

Through our unique system, we evolve independent-branded schools, often with

decades of history, into experiential learning destinations—places families seek out for

their values, environments, and programs, not just proximity, to become the local favorites and leaders in their respective submarkets. Fractal aims to become the largest system of independent-branded early education

schools in Texas by the end of 2027.

Position Summary:

The School Chef plans, prepares, and serves nutritious, appealing meals and snacks

for the children at a Fractal school, ensuring that all dietary needs and preferences are

met. Our chefs play a pivotal role in bringing balanced nutrition to our students.

The role goes beyond the kitchen. The Chef helps educate children about healthy

eating habits and fosters a genuine love of good food — encouraging students to try

new things and building a positive relationship with what they eat.

This role is largely autonomous. The Chef works independently most of the time and is

expected to hold Fractal standards whether or not anyone is watching. Growth and

inspiration are what we value at our schools, and we are looking for a chef who is

passionate about learning and about bringing those lessons into the food program.

Requirements

Position Details

Position Type: Full-Time, 40 hours per week

Schedule: Consistent 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., weekends off

Pay: $13.00 to $16.50 per hour

Work Location: In person

Reports To

Executive Director or Program Director, with functional support from the Food Service &

Nature Learning Director.

Key Working Relationships:

Works closely with the site leader, the Food Service & Nature Learning Director,

teaching staff, families, and food vendors.

Key Responsibilities

Meal Preparation & Menu

• Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious, appealing meals and snacks daily.
• Prep, cook, and clean to the highest standards.
• Work with the Food Service & Nature Learning Director to continually improve the menu.

Kitchen Operations & Compliance

• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and state licensing policies.
• Maintain food handler and food manager certification as required.

Inventory & Cost Management

• Manage food inventory, including ordering supplies, monitoring stock levels, and minimizing waste.
• Ensure that food items ordered comply with CCAFP requirements
• Conduct cost analysis in the procurement of ingredients.
• Work closely with the site leader to ensure budgets are controlled and standards are met.

Allergies & Dietary Needs:

• Account for allergies and dietary needs in every meal served.
• Communicate with parents about their children & dietary needs and preferences.
• Coordinate with teachers on meal schedules to ensure seamless service.

Nutrition Education & Culture

• Educate children on what a healthy, balanced diet is, and encourage students to try new foods.
• Create activities that help children build a positive relationship with food.
• Support garden-to-kitchen programming where the school participates in Fractal Nature Learning.

Qualifications

• Experience as a chef or cook in a professional kitchen setting.
• Food Manager certificate or culinary arts degree.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Passion for cooking and a genuine interest in child nutrition and wellness.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Creativity, integrity, and a positive attitude.
• Must be able to pass a background check.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off.
• Weekends off and a consistent daily schedule.
• An independent workspace — this will be your kitchen.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A fun and dynamic workplace where your culinary creativity can shine.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Fractal Education Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will

receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,

national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.