Cook 1 - Snoqualmie

State of Washington; Snoqualmie (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington, Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) seeks a Cook 1 at Echo Glen Children’s Center in Snoqualmie, WA. The position prepares nutritious meals for residents and staff within a secure juvenile environment, following recipes and safety procedures.

Expect a fast-paced team kitchen with opportunities to teach culinary skills to youth and to gain experience in large-scale institutional food production, school nutrition requirements, and dietary accommodations,

Qualifications

• Six months of demonstrated work experience.
• Completion of a course in large-scale cooking may substitute for experience.
• Possess a current Food Handler's permit or secure one within fourteen days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food following standardized recipes.
• Monitor, store, and rotate food and kitchen supplies.
• Operate standard and industrial kitchen equipment in a large-scale kitchen.
• Clean the kitchen, dining area, utensils, and equipment.
• Instruct youth trainees in food preparation, sanitation, and safety procedures.

Skills

Six months of experience

Large-scale cooking knowledge

Food safety practices

Record keeping

Basic computer skills

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control"(

Tools

Basic computer skills

HACCP knowledge

Job description

Our vision is to ensure that “All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community".

Job Title: Cook 1
Location: Snoqualmie, WA
Closes: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Compensation: $39,924 - $52,872 Yearly. The salary does not include an additional 5% premium granted to all King County employees, or a 5% on-site 24/7 facility premium.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is accepting applications for a Cook 1 to provide nutritious and well-balanced meals for residents and staff at Echo Glen Children’s Center. Join the dedicated Food Services team at DCYF Juvenile Rehabilitation, where your work directly supports the health, well-being, and daily success of young people in our care. As a Cook 1, you will work alongside experienced cooks, food service staff, and supervisors to prepare and serve nutritious meals in a safe, secure, and structured environment.

The Opportunity:

In this job, you will prepare meals by following standardized recipes and production requirements. You will also teach culinary skills to youth and demonstrate strong work ethics. The skills taught to youth will assist in their transition into the community and support rehabilitative programming within the institution. The work is in a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen where communication, reliability, food safety, and attention to detail are highly valued. The position provides opportunities to strengthen your culinary skills, gain experience with large-scale institutional food production, prepare a variety of menu items, and learn about special diets and federal school nutrition requirements.

The position is located in a scenic, wooded setting. Work schedules may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on operational needs. This is a meaningful opportunity for someone who enjoys cooking, values teamwork, and wants to make a positive difference through public service.

Some of what you'll do:

• Prepare food following standardized recipes.
• Perform preliminary preparation for the next day's meals and assist in the preparation of main entrees.
• Operate all standard and industrial kitchen equipment in a large-scale kitchen environment.
• Clean the kitchen, dining area, utensils, and equipment.
• Monitor, store, and rotate food and kitchen supplies
• Monitor and instruct youth trainees in food preparation, sanitation, and safety procedures.
• Recognize and assess problem situations and intervene to maintain safety and security within a secure juvenile justice treatment environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Six months of demonstrated work experience.
• Completion of course in large-scale cooking may substitute for experience.

AND

1. The ability to take action to learn and grow.
2. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Previous demonstrated knowledge of practices, methods, and procedures or large-scale food preparation and cooking; personal hygiene, food handling, sanitation, and safety precautions; care and use of kitchen utensils and equipment; record keeping; report preparation.
• Previous demonstrated knowledge of basic computer skills.
• Previous demonstrated knowledge of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCUP).
• Previous demonstrated ability to establish work methods and instruct other in routine kitchen work, maintain cooperative working relationships with others, estimate quantities and follow large-scale recipes.

Supplemental Information:

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our goal to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

Applicants selected for an interview are required to pass a national fingerprint background check and complete a questionnaire mandated by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) inquiring about any sexual misconduct. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but is considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.

Possess a current Food Handler's permit or secure one within fourteen days of hire.

This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.