Cook Food Service 2627

Hawkins County Board of Education; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hawkins County Board of Education seeks a skilled Cook to join our food service team. The ideal candidate should be passionate about preparing nutritious meals and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

This 10-month non-certified position involves preparing meals, maintaining cleanliness, and adhering to food safety guidelines. Responsibilities include cooking meals, managing inventory, and assisting with menu planning. Experience in institutional food service and a high school diploma or GED are required, along with a commitment to ongoing training.

Qualifications

• Experience working in an institutional food service setting.
• Skill in timing and preparation of meals for large quantities of people.
• Knowledge of safety procedures involving institutional cooking equipment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to recipes and specifications.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Monitor and maintain inventory levels of food and supplies.

Skills

Knowledge of institutional cooking supplies and equipment

Ability to perform simple math calculations

Strong attention to detail

Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Education

Graduation from an accredited high school or GED

Tools

Institutional cooking and cleaning equipment

Job description

Job Overview

We are looking for a skilled Cook to join our food service team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for preparing delicious and nutritious meals, and be able to work in a fast‑paced environment. This is a 10‑month Non‑Certified position.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to recipes and specifications
• Ensure that all food is prepared and served in a timely manner
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Monitor and maintain inventory levels of food and supplies
• Adhere to all food safety and sanitation guidelines
• Assist with menu planning and development
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh salads, cuts raw vegetables, and prepare fruit for meals.
• Prepare and serve a hot or cold breakfast for students as they arrive for school.
• Prepare meals and set up the serving line to provide lunch for teachers and students according to established schedules.
• Clean cooking equipment and utensils as necessary and upon completion of daily activities.
• Receive and store food supplies and other inventory upon delivery.
• Operate dish washing equipment to clean trays, silverware, cups, and plates as students complete meals.
• Sweep and mop the kitchen and dining areas as needed and following each meal.
• Stock milk containers and replenish food on the serving line when necessary.
• Organize and clean freezers and coolers as required.
• Bake bread, rolls, desserts, and other baked items for meals.
• Clean tables and common areas in the dining facility.
• Empty the trash as necessary and upon completion of daily activities.
• Operate the Point of Sale computer and software to record student meal transactions.
• Cross‑train to prepare end‑of‑meal service reports and perform proper cash handling and deposit procedures.
• Recognize a reimbursable meal, per USDA regulations.
• Perform related duties as required.

Reports To

Cafeteria Manager, Principal of School and/or Director of Child Nutrition

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or GED program, experience working in an institutional food service setting, ability to interact successfully with co‑workers, school‑age children, and the public or any equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of institutional cooking supplies and equipment and cooking procedures involving the preparation of large quantities of food.
• Knowledge of commonly used food service cleaning supplies and equipment and acceptable standards of cleanliness for food service facilities.
• Knowledge of the safety procedures involving the use of institutional cooking equipment and supplies.
• Some knowledge of USDA guidelines pertaining to the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program and meal pattern requirements.
• Some knowledge of the Hawkins County school Child Nutrition guidelines or the ability to acquire this information in a short period of time.
• Some knowledge of food proportions necessary to feed differing numbers and ages of students.
• Skill in the operation of institutional cooking and cleaning equipment.
• Skill in the timing and preparation of meals for large quantities of people.
• Ability to perform the physically demanding aspects of institutional meal preparation including heaving lifting (up to 50 lbs.), excessive standing and walking, and bending.
• Ability to follow directions and adapt to changes in work assignments to meet changing workload demands.
• Ability to interact successfully with school administration and staff, students, and the public.
• Fingerprinting and clearance through TBI required, prior to hire.
• Clearance within Tennessee Sex Offender Registry, prior to hire.
• Clearance from physician to be reasonably fit for duty, prior to hire.
• Completing ServSafe Food Handler Training course, once hired.
• Completing annual training hours, as required by USDA regulations.
• Ability to perform simple math calculations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, division.
• Proven experience as a Cook in a food service setting.
• Knowledge of various cooking techniques and methods.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Food handler's certification is a plus.

Capacity and Ability Requirements

The usual job demands require the following physical requirements: some lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling; some stooping, kneeling, and physical dexterity.

Terms of Employment

Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District’s approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the District. Must attend scheduled in‑service meetings and be willing to perform duties and training assigned by manager or director.

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.

Pay Scale

See Food Service Pay Scale on hck12.net, under menu, departments, human resource, pay scales.

Purpose Statement

Employees in this classification assist in providing meals and snacks for students attending Hawkins County school facilities. The tasks associated with the job and number of hours worked per day vary depending on the size and enrollment of the school, as well as the age of the students attending the school. Duties associated with the job include, but are not limited to: the preparation and serving of meals; cleaning of the dining facilities, kitchen equipment, utensils and serving trays; receiving and recording meal fees; and stocking supplies and food.