COOK

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

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Paid state holidays

Maternity leave

Job summary

The Cook at State of Arkansas 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.

You will follow standardized recipes, monitor temperatures, maintain clean work areas, assist with inventory and ordering, and help plate meals for service while delivering friendly service to residents and visitors.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of cooking techniques and kitchen sanitation.
• Ability to follow recipes accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety and cleanliness.
• Good communication with kitchen staff and visitors.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals and snacks according to standardized recipes and menus.
• Ensure food is cooked to proper temperatures and quality standards.
• Clean and maintain cooking equipment, utensils, and workstations.
• Monitor inventory and inform supervisors when supplies run low.
• Interact with visitors, assist with special needs, and relay complaints to managers.
• Assist with portioning and plating meals for service and order weekly supplies.

Skills

Cooking techniques

Attention to detail

Food safety

Communication

Job description

Position Number: 22109569

County: Craighead

Posting End Date: November13, 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.

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.

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.