Head Cook

Baltimore City Public Schools; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick/Personal/Family time off

Approximately 8‑10 paid holidays

Summer and holiday breaks off

Job summary

Baltimore City Public Schools is seeking a dedicated Head Cook for the food service program. The role focuses on meal planning, regulatory compliance, and ensuring quality meals for students. With a supportive team and community-oriented environment, this position allows for significant impact on student health.

The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, experience in program management, and the ability to lead a motivated kitchen staff. This role offers competitive compensation with school-year scheduling, and opportunities for community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's/Associate degree preferred or equivalent education and experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for working in a school environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the school nutrition program.
• Develop healthy, appealing, and cost-effective menus.
• Manage the food service budget and inventory control.
• Supervise and train food service staff to maintain a positive culture.
• Engage with students, parents, and school staff for dining improvement.

Skills

ServSafe Sanitation Certification

Basic computer literacy

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's/Associate degree preferred

Job description

Position

Head Cook – Food Service/Cafeteria Staff

Job Number: 8600046600

Start Date: 08/17/2026

Open Date: 06/16/2026

We are seeking a dedicated, organized, and community-minded Head Cook to lead our school nutrition program. In our small school environment, you will have a direct, meaningful impact on the health and well‑being of our students every day. The Head Cook oversees meal planning, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and kitchen operations, ensuring our students receive nutritious, high‑quality meals in a welcoming environment.

Additional Job Information

• Competitive salary
• Building relationships with exceptional students
• Average class size = 10 students
• Supportive staff and administration focused on creating a culture and climate conducive to student learning and professional growth
• Make a positive impact on the lives of students in our community
• Summer and holiday breaks off per school calendar
• Sick/Personal/Family time off plus approximately 8‑10 paid holidays during the school year

Desired Qualifications and Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Management: Oversee the daily operations of the school breakfast, lunch, snack and summer programs in compliance with state and federal USDA regulations.
• Menu Planning & Nutrition: Develop healthy, appealing, and cost‑effective menus that meet USDA nutritional standards.
• Financial Oversight: Manage the food service budget, food and equipment procurement, and inventory control.
• Staff Leadership: Supervise, train, and support food service staff, promoting a positive kitchen culture and high standards of food safety.
• Community Engagement: Maintain open communication with students, parents, and school staff to continuously improve the dining experience.

Qualifications & Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's/Associate degree preferred or appropriate combination of education and work experience.

Additional Preferred Skills

• Current ServSafe Sanitation Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Basic computer literacy (Excel, email, and point‑of‑sale software).
• Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for working in a school environment.

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive salary based on experience and education.
• Excellent school‑year calendar schedule.