Cook

California Rural Indian Health Board Inc; Porterville (CA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

California Rural Indian Health Board Inc in Porterville, CA seeks a Cook to support the Head Start nutrition component by preparing breakfasts and lunches for 20–50 children, keeping kitchen and inventory organized, and submitting invoices and reports related to nutrition and meal service. The role follows detailed instructions and ensures safety standards.

The successful candidate will have a high school diploma or GED, Food Handlers Certification, and the ability to work with 3–5 year olds

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required for all applicants.
• Food Handlers Certification required.
• Ability to work with 3–5 year old children and meet Head Start Standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare breakfast and lunch for 20–50 children (3–5 years old).
• Maintain inventory and submit grocery orders with budgets.
• Adhere to sanitation and safety requirements for the nutrition component.
• Attend trainings and engage parents to support healthy meals.

Skills

Cooking for large groups

Nutrition knowledge

Food safety

Basic math

English literacy

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Job description

This position is open until filled. Applications received by August 16, 2026, will receive first consideration. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted, and the position may be filled at any time. To ensure your application is considered in the first wave of interviews, please submit your materials as soon as possible.Position SummaryUnder the supervision and direction of the Site Supervisor/Coordinator, with oversight by the Health and Disabilities Coordinator, the Cook will provide support in the nutrition component of Head Start by cooking, cleaning, ordering supplies, and shopping for preparation of site meals. The Cook will complete and submit all required invoices, receipts, and reports related to nutrition and meal service. Incumbent follows detailed instructions and procedures in accomplishing assignments.Essential FunctionsPrepare breakfast and lunch for at least 20-50 children (3 to 5 years of age).Provide bi-weekly nutrition education in classroom.Submit groceries and kitchen supplies orders to the designated vendors.Maintain inventory of supplies.Complete menus, shopping lists, food budget daily meals and other forms/documents necessary for accounting requirements.Adhere to sanitation and safety requirements of the nutrition component.Attend training conferences/meetings with site staff and parents to keep abreast of current requirements.Encourage parental involvement in the nutrition program.Provide for safety of children.Implement cultural foods into menu planning.Prepare food and supplies for field trips. Attend all field trips to facilitate food distribution and assist staff.Maintenance of kitchen facilities/program.Perform other related duties as assigned by the Site Supervisor/Coordinator and/or Health and Disabilities Coordinator in conducting the day-to-day site activities and operations.Regular and predictable attendance.Assist in cleaning the classrooms when needed.Assist in supervising children during playtime when needed.Regular and predictable attendance.Performs other relevant duties as assigned.Additional ResponsibilitiesMaintain a valid, unrestricted California Driver’s license and ability to be insurable under CRIHB’s automobile insurance.Position requires occasional overnight travel within CRIHB’s service area.Requires ability to drive up to 7 hours a day.QualificationsCRIHB recognizes that an equivalent combination of education, training, and progressively responsible experience may be considered. A high school diploma or equivalent is required for all applicants.Education and Experience RequirementsHigh School Diploma or GED.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesAny combination of training and/or experience which demonstrates a potential to perform the duties of the position, including experience in cooking for large groups of people and training in nutrition.Able to demonstrate sound and mature judgment.Knowledge of the Food Program Requirements.Knowledge of early childhood nutritional needs.Ability to judge food quality.Knowledge of quantity buying and cooking.Knowledge of different types/uses of kitchen utensils and equipment.Able to read and write clearly.Knowledge of basic mathematics.Ability and knowledge to work with 3-5 year old children and meet Head Start Standards of Conduct and Confidentiality.Must have a Food Handlers Certification.CRIHB Tribal Head Start requirements include current physical exam, tuberculosis test clearance, and criminal background fingerprint clearance.Cultural CompetencyThis position requires an awareness and a profound respect for American Indian/Alaska Native traditions, customs, and socioeconomic contexts. It also requires the ability to work effectively with Tribal organizations, demonstrating tact, courtesy, discretion, resourcefulness, and sound judgment when handling sensitive matters.Indian PreferencePreference in hiring is extended to qualified American Indians or Alaska Native applicants in accordance with CRIHB’s Indian Preference policy, as provided under Title 25 U.S.C. § 5307(b). This policy ensures that qualified Native applicants receive priority consideration in the hiring process. However, the final selection is based on a comprehensive evaluation of all candidates’ qualifications, experience, and alignment with the specific needs of the position. Applicants claiming Indian Preference must submit verifiable documentation of their status, such as certification from their Tribe of affiliation or other acceptable proof of Indian heritage as required by CRIHB.Notice: Sovereign ImmunityPlease take notice that sovereign immunity extends to CRIHB as an inter-tribal organization and arm of its consortium tribes and Tribal organizations. CRIHB is not governed by California’s labor laws, including the state’s wage and hour laws or its Family Medical Leave, and Pregnancy Leave laws and regulations. CRIHB’s utilization of certain state family medical and pregnancy leave benefits, or any other benefit, is discretionary and shall not be construed as a waiver of sovereign immunity of CRIHB. CRIHB may provide information and documents that reference state laws or regulations from time to time, and in the event of inconsistency or conflict, CRIHB’s policy shall govern. CRIHB disclaims jurisdiction of any state enforcement. Nothing herein or otherwise shall be construed as a waiver of sovereign immunity of CRIHB