Child Care Assistant Chef/Driver

TRF Children & Family Services; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Training and Research Foundation is seeking an Assistant Chef/Driver in Santa Ana, CA to support kitchen operations and deliver meals and supplies to multiple early learning centers.

The role combines hands-on food preparation with safe driving, meal transport, and food safety responsibilities. Must have a high school diploma or GED; CACFP knowledge and ServSafe/ Food Handler credentials are preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; culinary or nutrition training preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience cooking in a licensed child care center, school, or institutional setting.
• Valid Food Handler Card or ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain before hire).
• CACFP knowledge and experience with meals for multiple age groups preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for long periods, and operate kitchen equipment safely.
• Strong time management, organization, and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team and community.

Responsibilities

• Safely transport meals, food supplies, and program materials between locations per policies and laws.
• Load, unload, and deliver meals and supplies with proper temperature control.
• Assist with preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for all age groups.
• Follow CACFP meal patterns and portion requirements for all ages served.
• Prepare meals in line with health and licensing requirements.
• Modify meals for allergies, dietary restrictions, and cultural preferences.
• Maintain daily food production records, menus, and inventory logs.
• Receive, organize, and store food and supplies per health standards.
• Keep kitchen and prep areas clean, organized, and sanitary.
• Communicate meal schedules and dietary needs with classroom staff.
• Participate in required food safety trainings and maintain certifications.
• Perform other duties to support program operations.

Skills

Time management

Organization

Team collaboration

Safety focus

Education

High school diploma or GED

Culinary or nutrition training (preferred)

Tools

ServSafe Certification

Food Handler Card

Job description

Description

JOIN OUR TEAM | Training and Research Foundation

Do you enjoy preparing nutritious meals and supporting children behind the scenes? Are you dependable, organized, and enjoy being on the road as part of your workday? Training and Research Foundation (TRF) is looking for an Assistant Chef / Driver to help ensure our early learning centers receive fresh, healthy meals and essential supplies while maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient kitchen environment. This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in supporting children through quality nutrition and reliable service.

If you believe every child deserves a strong start and you have the heart and skills to make that happen, we want to hear from you.

POSITION AT A GLANCE

Type: Regular
Organization: Training and Research Foundation
Location: Santa Ana, CA
Age Group: Infants to School-Age, 0 to 12 years
Setting: Early Childhood Learning Center and After-School Program

About Trf

Training and Research Foundation is a California nonprofit dedicated to delivering high-quality early childhood education to families who need it most. Operating under Title 22 and Title 5 regulatory frameworks, TRF serves children and families across Orange and Riverside Counties with a commitment to excellence, equity, and community partnership.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ROLE

• You'll play an essential role in supporting children's health and well-being by helping prepare and deliver fresh, nutritious meals each day.
• You'll be part of a mission-driven team that values collaboration, integrity, and excellence.
• You'll enjoy a dynamic workday that combines kitchen support with driving to multiple early learning centers, ensuring meals and supplies arrive safely and on time.
• You'll make a meaningful impact behind the scenes, helping create a positive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

What You'll Do

• Safely transport meals, food supplies, and program materials between designated locations in accordance with agency policies and traffic laws.
• Load, unload, and deliver food and supplies while ensuring proper food handling and temperature control.
• Assist with preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.
• Follow CACFP meal patterns and portion requirements for all age groups served.
• Prepare infant, toddler, pre-school and school-age meals in accordance with health and licensing requirements.
• Modify meals to accommodate food allergies, dietary restrictions, and cultural preferences.
• Maintain daily food production records, menus, and inventory logs as required.
• Assist with receiving, organizing, and storing food and supplies according to health and safety standards.
• Ensure the kitchen and food preparation areas remain clean, organized, and sanitary, including dishwashing and equipment cleaning.
• Communicate effectively with classroom staff and site personnel regarding meal schedules and dietary needs.
• Participate in required food safety and safety-related trainings and maintain all required certifications.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations.

Requirements

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; culinary or nutrition training preferred.
• At least one (1) year of experience cooking in a licensed child care center, school, or institutional setting.
• Valid Food Handler Card or ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain before hire).
• Knowledge of CACFP guidelines and experience with food preparation for multiple age groups (including infants and school-age children) preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for long periods, and safely operate kitchen equipment.
• Strong time management, organization, and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with a diverse team and community.

Compensation: $20-$22 per hour