COOK

Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment; Arkadelphia (AR); On-site; USD 33,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cook position at Arkansas Department of Human Services in Arkadelphia, AR is an entry-level role responsible for preparing meals in a state facility according to menus and recipes. You will ensure food safety, maintain equipment, and support visitors with needs.

Responsibilities include following recipes, monitoring temperatures, ordering weekly supplies, and helping with plating. ServSafe certification is required within six months of hire; prior kitchen experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of cooking techniques and kitchen sanitation.
• Ability to follow recipes and menus accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and safety in food preparation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals and snacks according to standardized recipes and menu plans.
• Cook food to proper temperature and quality standards.
• Maintain cleanliness of equipment, utensils and workstations.
• Monitor inventory and inform supervisors when supplies are low.
• Assist visitors and respond to inquiries with courtesy and care.
• Handle portioning, labeling, and storage of leftovers.

Skills

Cooking techniques

Follow recipes

Attention to detail

Kitchen cleanliness

Communication skills

Job description

Position Number: 22098129

County: Clark

Posting End Date: August 3, 2026

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

COOK

Date: Aug 19, 2026

Req ID: 58682

Location: Arkadelphia, AR, US, 71923

Category: AR DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Anticipated Starting Salary: $33,280.00

Position Information

• Job Series: Food Service - Career-path
• Classification: Cook
• Class Code: TFS01P
• Pay Grade: SGS01
• Salary Range: $33,280 - $49,254
• Nearest Major Market: Little Rock
• Nearest Secondary Market: Arkadelphia

Job Summary

The Cook is responsible for preparing meals in a state facility according to established menus and recipes. This entry-level role ensures that food is prepared promptly, cooked to the correct specifications, and complies with health and safety standards.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare meals and snacks according to standardized recipes and menu plans.
• Ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature and quality standards.
• Clean and maintain cooking equipment, utensils, and workstations.
• Monitor food inventory and inform supervisors when supplies are low.
• Ability to interact with visitors, handles or relays complaints to managers, and assists visitors with special needs.
• Performs food preparation duties, including preparing food commodities, calculating needed amounts of goods, ensuring accurate measurements of recipe quantities, labeling and storing leftover items, and ordering weekly supplies.
• Assist with portioning and plating meals for service.
• Follow food safety regulations regarding food storage, handling, and cleanliness.

Knowledge and Skills

• Basic knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation, and kitchen sanitation.
• Ability to follow recipes and cooking instructions accurately.
• Strong attention to detail in food preparation and quality control.
• Ability to maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.
• Good communication skills for working with other kitchen staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Previous kitchen or cooking experience.

Licensure/Certifications

• Must obtain and maintain ServSafe Food Certification within six months of hire.
• OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.