Head Cook/Assistant Manager Cafeteria

Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District; Petersham (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid vacation/personal days

Job summary

Petersham Center School in Petersham, Massachusetts, is seeking a dependable Head Cook/Assistant Manager to support the daily operation of the school nutrition program for the 2026–2027 school year. Responsibilities include meal prep, service, kitchen operations, safety, records, and supervision of staff.

The role requires ServSafe, MA Allergen, CPR/Heimlich certifications and CORI/SAFIS fingerprinting; strong organizational and communication skills along with reliable attendance are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• ServSafe Certification required.
• Massachusetts Allergen Training Certification required.
• CPR/Heimlich certification required.
• CORI and SAFIS fingerprinting background checks required.
• Previous food service and/or POS cashiering experience preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, families and colleagues.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and changing priorities.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals in accordance with menus, recipes, portion requirements, and USDA guidelines.
• Coordinate daily kitchen operations and assign responsibilities to food service staff.
• Place food and supply orders and properly receive, date, store, and rotate inventory.
• Maintain production records, meal counts, cash deposits, and other food service documentation.
• Operate Mosaic POS system and perform cashiering duties as needed.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, allergen, and HACCP requirements.
• Ensure kitchen, serving, and food preparation areas are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
• Communicate menu changes, dietary needs, maintenance concerns, staffing matters, and other operational issues to the appropriate personnel.
• Train and support food service staff and assist with monitoring daily performance.
• Participate in required professional development and training.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Food Service Director.

Skills

POS cashiering

Food service

Communication

Team leadership

Time management

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Mosaic POS

Job description

Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Petersham Center School - Petersham, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Head Cook/Assistant Manager Cafeteria

Job Details

Starting Date: Immediately

Position Type: Full-time

Job Categories: Support Staff > Food Service

Job Description

Petersham Center School is seeking a dependable and motivated Head Cook/Assistant Manager, effective immediately for the remainder of the 2026–2027 school year. This position is responsible for assisting with the daily operation of the school nutrition program, including meal preparation and service, kitchen operations, food safety, recordkeeping, and supervision of kitchen staff.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, and other meals in accordance with menus, recipes, portion requirements, and USDA guidelines.
• Coordinate daily kitchen operations and assign responsibilities to food service staff.
• Place food and supply orders and properly receive, date, store, and rotate inventory.
• Maintain required production records, meal counts, cash deposits, and other food service documentation.
• Operate the Mosaic Point of Sale (POS) system and perform cashiering duties as needed.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, allergen, and HACCP requirements.
• Ensure kitchen, serving, and food preparation areas are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
• Communicate menu changes, dietary needs, maintenance concerns, staffing matters, and other operational issues to the appropriate personnel.
• Train and support food service staff and assist with monitoring daily performance.
• Participate in required professional development and training.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Food Service Director.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• ServSafe Certification required.
• Massachusetts Allergen Training Certification required.
• CPR/Heimlich certification required.
• Must successfully complete CORI and SAFIS fingerprinting background checks.
• Previous food service and/or POS cashiering experience preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work professionally with students, staff, families, and colleagues.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and changing priorities.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality are required.

Physical Requirements

This position requires standing for much of the workday and regularly bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and working around hot and cold kitchen equipment. Must be able to safely lift and carry up to 40 pounds.

The successful candidate must follow all applicable District policies and USDA requirements and maintain appropriate food service attire, hygiene, and safety practices.

Salary: $18.59–$25.76 per hour, based on experience.

Welcome to Petersham Center School

The Town of Petersham offers benefits to full-time employees which include 75% Employer Paid Health Insurance. We also offer retirement plans (Valic 403b). We offer sick/personal days and vacation days for those that are year round (as per contracts).

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Katrina Bressani , Food Service Director
• P.O. Box 680
• 507 South Main Street
• Orange, Massachusetts 01364
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]