Cook 2 - Snoqualmie

State of Washington; Snoqualmie (WA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington is seeking a Cook 2 in Snoqualmie, WA to lead nutritional meal preparation and kitchen operations for DCYF Juvenile Rehabilitation. You will supervise staff, prepare meals to standard recipes, ensure safety and quality, and mentor youth in food service tasks.

The role involves shift coverage, adherence to HACCP standards, and compliance with school nutrition requirements. Join a dedicated team delivering healthy meals in a fast-paced environment, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• Two years of cooking experience in large-scale food service or culinary operation. Completion of course in large-scale cooking may substitute for one year of experience.
• OR
• One year as a Cook 1 in State service.
• A current Food Worker card.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and participate in preparation and service of food.
• Oversee, delegate, and instruct food preparation duties.
• Prepare food following standardized recipes.
• Inspect food being prepared to ensure the proper quantity, quality, and handling.
• Supervise, monitor and instruct youth in food preparation, sanitation, and safety procedures as part of their participation in the work experience program.
• Ensure daily inspection of refrigerators, freezers, hot carts, and steam tables for proper temperature control.
• Operate state vehicles to safely transport prepared meal carts and food supplies to designated cottages and service areas.
• Operate and maintain all standard and industrial kitchen equipment in a large-scale kitchen environment.
• Ensure cleaning of kitchen, dining area, utensils, and equipment.
• Receive and put away food supplies.
• Maintain and inventory kitchen equipment and report missing items to Security.

Skills

Leadership in kitchen

HACCP knowledge

Basic computer skills

Follow written and oral instructions

Cooking in large-scale food service

Food Worker card

Two years cooking experience

State service Cook 1 experience

Job description

This job announcement was originally posted for a non-permanent hire and is now changed to permanent. You do not need to apply again if you previously applied to this recruitment. Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and educationally, nurtured by family and community.”

Job Class: Cook 2

Location: Snoqualmie, WA

Closes: Thursday, October 22, 2026

Salary: $42,780 - $56,952 Yearly. The salary does not include an additional 5% premium pay for employees working in King County or an on-site 24/7 facility 5% premium.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is accepting applications for a Cook 2 to direct oversight of all nutritional programming so youth have the nutrition needed to support their health and ability to follow their treatment program. 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 2, you will take a lead role in preparing and serving nutritious meals while helping coordinate daily kitchen operations and providing guidance to other food service staff.

Click here to learn more about DCYF Juvenile Rehabilitation.

The Opportunity

As lead staff, you will oversee meal preparation, kitchen coordination, and ensure that food service runs smoothly across shifts. You will also teach culinary skills to youth and model strong work ethics. The work is in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where leadership, communication, reliability, and food safety are highly valued. The position offers opportunities to use your culinary experience, oversee large-scale meal production, prepare a variety of menu items, accommodate special dietary needs, and support compliance with OSPI 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 Will Do

• Supervise and participate in preparation and service of food.
• Oversee, delegate, and instruct food preparation duties.
• Prepare food following standardized recipes.
• Inspect food being prepared to ensure the proper quantity, quality, and handling.
• Supervise, monitor and instruct youth in food preparation, sanitation, and safety procedures as part of their participation in the work experience program.
• Ensure daily inspection of refrigerators, freezers, hot carts, and steam tables for proper temperature control.
• Operate state vehicles to safely transport prepared meal carts and food supplies to designated cottages and service areas.
• Operate and maintain all standard and industrial kitchen equipment in a large-scale kitchen environment.
• Ensure cleaning of kitchen, dining area, utensils, and equipment.
• Receive and put away food supplies.
• Maintain and inventory kitchen equipment and report missing items to Security.

Required Qualifications

Two years of cooking experience in large-scale food service or culinary operation. Completion of course in large-scale cooking may substitute for one year of experience.

OR

One year as a Cook 1 in State service.

A current Food Worker card.

AND

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• 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:

• Demonstrated experience in leading and coordinating a team in a fast-paced kitchen environment while ensuring efficient workflow, food quality, safety, and compliance with operational standards
• Demonstrated knowledge of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCUP), and basic computer skills.
• Demonstrated ability to follow written and oral instructions.

How do I apply?

Complete Your Applicant Profile And Attach The Following Documents

• Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Current resume detailing experience and education.

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.

This position requires at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.

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.

If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact the DCYF Recruiter.

If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at [phone] or email [e-mail].

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call [phone] or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at [phone].

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.

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More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.