COOK

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

Job summary

The Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment is seeking an entry-level Cook to prepare meals in a state facility in Benton, AR, following established menus and recipes. This role ensures meals meet timing, temperature, and safety standards.

You will follow standardized recipes, monitor temperatures, and maintain clean facilities while assisting with inventory and guest needs. ServSafe certification must be obtained within six months of hire.

Qualifications

• Must follow standardized recipes and menu plans.
• Cook to proper temperatures and quality standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety in kitchen.
• Strong attention to detail in food prep and quality control.
• Good communication with kitchen staff.

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.

Skills

Cooking techniques

Food preparation

Kitchen sanitation

Attention to detail

Communication

Job description

Position Number: 22103035
County: Saline
Posting End Date: August 19, 2026

Location: Benton, AR, US, 72015

Position Information

Job Series: Food Service – Career-path

Classification: Cook

Class Code: TFS01P

Pay Grade: SGS01

Salary Range: $33,280 - $49,254

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.

Nearest Major Market: Little Rock

Equal Employment Opportunity: 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.