Child Nutrition - Assistant Cook Manager

Bethel School District, WA; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Bethel School District in Spanaway, WA seeks an Assistant Cook Manager to support the Cook Manager in a central kitchen, preparing, cooking and serving meals for staff and students. You will coordinate kitchen staff, ensure a safe, sanitary environment, and assist in filling and shipping food orders across district locations.

The role requires knowledge of large-scale food production, safety standards, and collaboration with district teams.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience in commercial, institutional or school food service lead or supervisory experience preferred.
• SNA (State Nutrition Association) certification required.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, regulations and policies governing school nutrition services.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Cook Manager in planning, organization, coordination and operation of a school cafeteria with an on-site kitchen.
• Prepare and cook food from scratch in large quantities (1,500 servings or more).
• Order food items and supplies; maintain inventory.
• Coordinate work schedules with Cook Manager and kitchen staff; promote teamwork.
• Maintain a safe and sanitary cafeteria and kitchen operation; ensure proper food storage and preparation.
• Assist in delivering meals to satellites and coordinate with satellite staff as needed.
• Sell food tickets to students and maintain related records as required.
• Provide direction to helpers; train and supervise on proper food handling and sanitation.
• May assume Cook Manager position when necessary.

Education

SNA certification

Job description

Frontline Applicant Tracking - Bethel School District 403

• Position Type: Classified/ Child Nutrition
• Date Posted: 9/22/2026
• Location: SPANAWAY MIDDLE
• Closing Date: 09/28/2026

THIS POSITION IS FOR 6.5 HOURS PER DAY AT 171 DAYS PER YEAR.

AND 4 HOURS PER DAY AT 9 DAYS PER YEAR.

AND 8 HOURS PER DAY AT 1 DAYS PER YEAR.

PAY FOR THIS POSITION: PSE Salary Schedule Level 4 $ 24.11

GENERAL SUMMARY This position's responsibilities are to assist a Cook Manager at an assigned central kitchen. Responsibilities include preparing, cooking and serving food to staff and students; coordinating kitchen staff; and providing a safe and sanitary cafeteria environment. This position may also assist in filling and shipping food orders placed by other school locations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Depending upon the individual assignment, the Assistant Cook Manager may perform all or a combination of the following:

• 1. Assists the Cook Manager in planning , organization, coordination and operation of a school cafeteria with an on-site kitchen.
• 2. Prepares and cooks food from scratch in large quantities (1,500 servings or more).
• 3. Assists the Cook Manager in the ordering of food items and supplies. Assists in taking inventory of food and supplies.
• 4. Coordinates work schedules with Cook Manager and kitchen staff; promotes team cooperation.
• 5. Assists in maintaining a safe and sanitary cafeteria and kitchen operation; maintains standards for safe food storage and preparation. Cleans floors and equipment; launders kitchen clothing and towels.
• 6. If assigned to a central kitchen which serves satellites, assists in the preparation and delivery of meals to assigned elementary schools and other locations. May assist in coordinating with satellite school staff to determine number of meals needed.
• 7. Sells food tickets to students. May assist Cook Manager in maintaining records and cash counts as required.
• 8. Provides direction to helpers as needed; provides guidance, training and instruction in proper food handling, serving and sanitation; monitors and corrects helpers' behavior.
• 9. Moves into Cook Manager's position when necessary.
• 10. May serve on various district committees and/or departmental work teams. Models appropriate and cooperative behavior, including protecting confidential information, consistent with district ethical guidelines.
• 11. Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS Reports to the Director of Child Nutrition. Receives guidance from the Cook Manager.

MENTAL DEMANDS Performs under strict meal deadlines; required to time multiple tasks for completion in proper sequence; required to anticipate quantities and order for cost efficiency and proper storage.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Required to stand for prolonged periods; required to lift and position heavy food and supplies weighing up to fifty (50) pounds; exposed to high noise levels from kitchen equipment; required to maintain safety awareness; exposed to sharp cutting and slicing equipment and hot surfaces; occasionally required to attend evening meetings; potentially exposed to ordinary infectious diseases carried by students; may need to take precautions to avoid exposure to cleaners and fumes; required to wear protective clothing; may be required to operate motor vehicle. Passage of a pre-placement physical and testing is required of this position (the district will assume the cost).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience Education, training, skills, and experience necessary to carry out the assignment, including two (2) years of experience in commercial, institutional or school food service lead or supervisory experience preferred. SNA (State Nutrition Association) certification required.

Allowable Substitutions Such alternatives to the above qualifications that the district may find appropriate and acceptable.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, regulations and policies governing school nutrition services programs. Knowledge of food production and serving in large quantities. Knowledge of nutritional value of different types of food. Knowledge of offer vs. serve meal pattern requirements. Skill in food production and preparation. Knowledge of sanitation and safety standards and procedures, including working knowledge of district's infection control plan. Ability to make effective decisions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of others.

Licenses/Special Requirements Requires fingerprinting and background check to determine that there have been no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury or neglect of a minor. Must complete training in and adhere to district infection control plan. Valid Washington state food handler's permit. SNA (State Nutrition Association) certification required. Some positions may require a valid Washington state driver's license and a good driving record.

PSE UNIT AFFILIATION Child Nutrition

WAGES AND BENEFITS Click here to access details on the following:

• Salaries/Wages
• Insurance
• Retirement Plans
• Paid Time Off or Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Other Compensation

Non-Discrimination Policy Bethel School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, disability, neurodivergence, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, age, and honorably discharged veteran or military status and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Compliance / Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator, Darius Alexander, [e-mail], 253.800.2019; Title IX Coordinator, Mel Boyd, [e-mail], 253.800.2029; and 504 Coordinator, Melissa Munson-Merritt, [e-mail], 253.800.2301. All individuals may be reached at this address: 516 176th Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387. Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint: bethelsd.org.