First Cook

Elk River Independent School District 728; Elk River (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

Elk River Independent School District 728 is seeking a First Cook at Rogers Middle School for a temporary period (6.75 hours/day, 6:45am-2:00pm) from 09/25/2026 through 12/17/2026. The role assists the Head Cook in preparing nutritious meals and maintaining a clean kitchen and lunchroom.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, basic cooking skills, ability to follow recipes, and good math and communication abilities; lifting up to 50 pounds is expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Fundamental of Food Service Operation knowledge.
• Level I Food Service Certification.
• Experience with standardized recipes and quantity cooking.
• Knowledge of meal evaluation for daily menus.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• No allergies to kitchen/cleaning chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Cook in preparing the main dish so food is available when needed and properly prepared.
• Assist in preparation of all foods to ensure timely and nutritious availability.
• Serve school lunches promptly and in proper portions.
• Clean counters, kitchen equipment, stove, utensils, and lunchroom areas.
• Assist in monthly inventory and record-keeping for efficient operation.
• Assist in shelving groceries upon delivery.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Food service knowledge

Safety & sanitation

Communication skills

Teamwork

Math skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Fundamental of Food Service Operation

Level I Food Service Certification

Job description

First Cook (TEMPORARY 6.75 Hours Per Day; 6:45am-2pm. Approx 09/25/26 through 12/17/26) JobID: 19223

• Position Type: Food Service/ First Cook
• Date Posted: 8/19/2026
• Location: Rogers Middle School
• Date Available: 09/25/2026

Starting Wage: $23.37/hour

Description: The First Cook assists the Head Cook in pre paring and serving nutritious school lunches and maintaining a safe and sanitary kitchen and lunchroom area.

Job Summary

• 1. May assist the Head Cook in the preparation of the main dish so that food is available when needed and is properly prepared.
• 2. Assists in the preparation of all foods as needed so that food is properly prepared and available in a timely and nutritious manner.
• 3. Serves school lunches in a timely fashion and in proper proportions.
• 4. Cleans counter, kitchen equipment, stove, utensils, and other kitchen and lunchroom equipment so that it is available for use the next day.
• 5. May assist the Head Cook in monthly inventory so that inventory and records are up to date to facilitate efficient kitchen operation.
• 6. May assist in shelving groceries upon delivery.
• 7. Other job related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 1. High school degree, GED, or equivalent experience.
• 2. Demonstrated knowledge of food service, care and use of kitchen equipment and appliances, and proper sanitation.
• 3. Successful completion of Fundamental of Food Service Operation and Level I Food Service Certification from the School Nutrition Association.
• 4. Demonstrated experience in the use of standardized recipes and quantity food preparation.
• 5. Demonstrated knowledge in the use of meal evaluation for daily menus.
• 6. Ability to work with others.
• 7. Demonstrated skills in written and oral communication.
• 8. Ability to maintain good public relations with staff and students.
• 9. Good math skills for measuring.
• 10. Regularly able to lift heavy objects in excess of fifty (50) pounds.
• 11. No allergies to kitchen/cleaning chemicals.
• 12. May be asked to work caterings and extra hours if necessary.
• 13. One (1) to three (3) years experience as an institutional cook or in quantity cooking.