COOK

State of Arkansas; Conway (AR); On-site; USD 33,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Paid state holidays

Maternity leave

Job summary

The State of Arkansas Department of Human Services is hiring a Cook in Conway to prepare meals in a state facility following established menus and recipes. You will ensure food is cooked to correct specifications and maintain health and safety standards in a clean kitchen.

This entry-level role requires attention to detail, reliable teamwork, and compliance with safety guidelines. ServSafe Food Certification must be obtained within six months of hire.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of cooking techniques and kitchen sanitation.
• Ability to follow recipes and maintain safe food handling practices.
• Strong attention to detail and teamwork in a kitchen setting.

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.
• Interact with visitors and assist with special needs as required.
• Assist with portioning and plating meals for service.
• Follow food safety regulations for storage and handling.

Skills

Cooking techniques

Food preparation

Kitchen sanitation

Follow recipes

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

ServSafe Food Certification

Job description

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.

Position Information

Job Series: Food Service – Career-path

Classification: Cook

Class Code: TFS01P

Pay Grade: SGS01

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

Posting End Date: October 5, 2026

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.

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.