Kitchen Cook 2526 SY

Heartwood Community School; Ridgeland (SC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Heartwood Community School is looking for a dedicated School Kitchen Cook to join its Nutrition Services team. The role focuses on meal preparation, kitchen sanitation, and inventory management while fostering a positive school culture. Candidates should have a high school diploma and experience in food service, with strong attention to detail and teamwork skills.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance and Disability

Tax Favored Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)

Retirement Plans

Qualifications

• ServSafe certification preferred or willingness to obtain.
• 1-3 years of experience in school food service, commercial kitchens, or institutional cooking preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook breakfast and lunch items according to school-approved recipes and meal schedules.
• Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines during all food handling tasks.
• Collaborate with kitchen team members to maintain a positive work environment.

Skills

Food safety practices

Attention to detail

Time management

Multitasking

Team player

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Who Are We:

Heartwood Community School is a community-focused, tuition-free charter school serving Jasper, Beaufort, and Hampton Counties in South Carolina. We believe in educating the whole child—nurturing each student academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Honoring every child's unique journey, we bridge home and school to foster a compassionate, empowering environment where students feel seen and valued.

Our mission goes beyond academics; we guide students to become resilient problem-solvers, compassionate community builders, globally minded citizens, emotionally intelligent leaders, and lifelong learners. Embracing mistakes as part of growth, we equip students to thrive in school and life—ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

The Role

Heartwood Community School is seeking a dedicated and dependable School Kitchen Cook to join our Nutrition Services team. This essential role supports the planning, preparation, and service of nutritious meals that fuel the bodies and minds of our students and staff. The Kitchen Cook will help maintain a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen environment and ensure compliance with all school, state, and federal food safety regulations.

If you're passionate about food service, enjoy working with children, and value a clean, organized kitchen, we encourage you to apply and become part of our mission to nourish our school community.

Responsibilities:

Meal Preparation & Service

• Prepare and cook breakfast and lunch items according to school-approved recipes and meal schedules.
• Wash, peel, chop, and portion ingredients to support daily meal prep.
• Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines during all food handling tasks.
• Assist with plating and timely service of meals to students and staff.

Kitchen Sanitation & Clean-Up

• Wash, rinse, and sanitize all dishes, kitchenware, and equipment used during food prep and service.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen floors, counters, storage areas, and prep stations throughout the day.
• Ensure proper disposal of food waste, recycling, and compost in line with school procedures.

Inventory Management & Supply Support

• Monitor food and cleaning supply levels and alert the Executive Sous Chef when inventory is low.
• Assist with receiving, organizing, and storing food and supply deliveries.
• Rotate food inventory regularly to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage.

Compliance & Safety

• Adhere to all health and safety regulations, including allergen handling and food storage requirements.
• Stay up to date with food service policies, including those from the local health department and USDA guidelines.
• Participate in school and health department inspections as needed.

Team Contribution & School Culture

• Collaborate with kitchen team members to maintain a positive, respectful, and efficient work environment.
• Build rapport with students and staff through courteous and friendly service.
• Represent Heartwood Community School's values in all interactions and kitchen responsibilities.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Knowledge of food safety practices (ServSafe certification preferred or willingness to obtain).
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills.
• Ability to multitask and remain calm in a fast-paced environment.
• Dependable, punctual, and proactive team player.
• Ability to stand for long periods, lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), and work in a fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1-3 years of experience in school food service, commercial kitchens, or institutional cooking preferred.

Compensation:

The salary for this role is $80,000, with eligibility for a relocation package. To uphold our commitment to equitable and fair compensation, we offer a competitive salary and have a no-negotiation policy.

We are committed to building a best in class team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Additionally, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including and not limited to:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Tax Favored Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Retirement Plans

Our Commitment:
Heartwood Community School is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.