Head Cook & Kitchen Manager - School 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

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.