Cook

California State University, Fullerton; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

California State University, Fullerton’s ASI Children’s Center invites a Cook to prepare fresh, nutritious meals for young children and staff. You will design four-week rotating menus, adapt dishes for allergies, and manage purchases and records in a caring, collaborative kitchen environment.

You’ll supervise Kitchen Assistants, maintain safe food handling practices, and contribute to a welcoming mealtime culture that supports healthy development and happy, well-fed children.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience cooking for groups.
• Current Food Handling Certificate.
• Knowledge of nutrition, safety, and sanitation.
• Ability to follow and scale recipes and portions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain food service records.
• Willingness to collaborate with teachers, staff, and kitchen assistants.
• Interest in preparing nutritious, appealing meals for young children.
• Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for children and staff.
• Create rotating four-week menus featuring a variety of foods.
• Introduce new foods and flavors that encourage healthy eating.
• Adapt meals for infants and children with food allergies or special dietary needs.
• Manage food purchasing, ordering, inventory, and kitchen supplies.
• Ensure meals meet CACFP nutritional and portion requirements.
• Maintain accurate food service records and program documentation.
• Keep the kitchen, equipment, and food storage areas clean and safe.
• Train and supervise Kitchen Assistants, including food preparation, sanitation, and kitchen safety.
• Collaborate with Children’s Center staff to support a positive, welcoming environment.

Skills

Food handling

Cooking

Nutrition knowledge

Sanitation

Record-keeping

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

FLSA: Hourly (Non-Exempt)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $25.00 - $27.00 per hour

Direct Supervisor: Children's Center Director

Good food. Happy kids. A meaningful job.

At the ASI Children's Center, mealtime is about more than filling little bellies. It's an opportunity for children to explore new foods, develop healthy habits, and enjoy meals prepared with care.

We're looking for a Cook who enjoys preparing fresh, nutritious meals and understands how important good food is to growing children.

You’ll plan menus, prepare meals and snacks from scratch, manage kitchen operations, and help create positive mealtime experiences for the children in our care.

If you love cooking, enjoy working in a child-centered environment and take pride in serving meals that are as appealing as they are nutritious, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Actually Do

• Prepare fresh breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for children and staff, along with suppers prepared in advance.
• Create rotating four-week menus featuring a variety of foods, including seasonal fruits and vegetables.
• Introduce new foods and flavors that encourage children to explore healthy eating.
• Adapt meals for infants and children with food allergies or special dietary needs.
• Manage food purchasing, ordering, inventory, and kitchen supplies.
• Ensure meals meet Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) nutritional and portion requirements.
• Maintain accurate food service records, including quantities prepared, meals served, and program documentation.
• Keep the kitchen, equipment, and food storage areas clean, organized, and safe.
• Train and supervise Kitchen Assistants, including food preparation, sanitation, and kitchen safety.
• Collaborate with Children's Center staff to support a positive, welcoming environment for children.

What This Looks Like in Practice

Your morning might begin with preparing breakfast while getting lunch ingredients ready for the day. You’ll portion meals for different classrooms, make adjustments for children’s dietary needs, and coordinate with staff to ensure everyone receives the right food.

Between meals, you’ll check inventory, plan upcoming menus, place orders, complete food program records, and keep the kitchen running smoothly.

And because you’re cooking for young children, creativity matters. You’ll find ways to introduce new foods, make nutritious meals appealing, and encourage children to develop positive attitudes toward eating.

This is a hands‑on cooking position that combines food preparation, kitchen management, and a genuine interest in children’s well‑being.

We’re Looking for Someone With

• At least one year of experience preparing meals for groups.
• A current Food Handling Certificate.
• Knowledge of cooking techniques, nutrition, food safety, and sanitation.
• The ability to follow and adjust recipes, calculate portions, and prepare food in appropriate quantities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to maintain accurate food service records.
• A willingness to work collaboratively with teachers, staff, and kitchen assistants.
• An interest in preparing nutritious, appealing meals for young children.
• The ability to maintain Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification.

Bonus Points

• Experience preparing meals for young children.
• Coursework in culinary arts.
• Familiarity with food service programs and record‑keeping requirements.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.

Why the Children’s Center?

The ASI Children’s Center at Cal State Fullerton provides a nurturing environment where young children can learn, grow, and develop.

As Cook, you’ll play an important part in their daily experience. The meals you prepare help fuel busy mornings, support healthy development, and introduce children to foods and flavors they may be trying for the first time.

You’ll also work alongside a team dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for children and families.

It’s an opportunity to put your cooking skills to work in a place where what you prepare makes a difference every day.

A Few Important Details

This position requires compliance with applicable food safety, health and child care requirements, including a pre-employment TB test, required immunizations, background screening and mandated reporter training. The role also involves regular standing, movement and lifting of up to 30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Salary: $25-$27 per hour