ECE Kitchen Chef & Meal Planner

Landed; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits

Career development

Job summary

Learning Jungle is seeking an ECE Center Chef to plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals for children aged 0–5 in a licensed NC childcare setting. You will ensure adherence to USDA/DCDEE guidelines, maintain high food-safety standards, and manage kitchen inventory and budgets.

The role requires a strong background in child nutrition, proper certifications, and the ability to collaborate with staff to serve meals on time within daily routines. HR Department supports onboarding.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Culinary program or coursework in nutrition/food safety preferred.
• Experience in institutional/ childcare kitchens is a plus.
• Knowledge of NC/DCDEE guidelines and CACFP is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Meal planning and preparation of nutritious, age-appropriate meals for 0–5 years.
• Follow strict food safety and sanitation protocols; maintain clean/kitchen areas.
• Develop weekly menus meeting dietary requirements and allergies.
• Ensure meals meet DCDEE/Nutrition standards (NC Meal Patterns).
• Maintain inventory, order ingredients, monitor budgets.
• Collaborate with center leadership to align meals with daily routines.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Nutrition for children

Meal planning

Collaboration

Allergen awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary program or nutrition coursework preferred

Tools

ServSafe certification

CPR & First Aid (or willing to obtain)

Job description

Learning Jungle is seeking an ECE Center Chef to plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals for children aged 0–5 in a licensed NC childcare setting. You will ensure adherence to USDA/DCDEE guidelines, maintain high food-safety standards, and manage kitchen inventory and budgets.

The role requires a strong background in child nutrition, proper certifications, and the ability to collaborate with staff to serve meals on time within daily routines. HR Department supports onboarding.