Lead Cook

Alfond Youth & Community Center; Waterville (ME); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Alfond Youth & Community Center in Waterville, ME is seeking a Lead Cook to guide kitchen staff in preparing healthy meals for childcare programs. This hands-on role emphasizes safe, sanitary operations and teamwork.

You will develop menus meeting USDA standards, maintain records, manage allergies, and ensure compliance with Maine DHHS. A high school diploma and ServSafe or ability to obtain certification are required, with 1–3 years in similar settings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• ServSafe certification or ability to obtain certification.
• 1–3 years cooking in school, medical, or commercial environment.
• Knowledge of food safety practices required.
• Able to work with children in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve healthy meals for AYCC childcare programs.
• Develop monthly menus meeting USDA standards.
• Maintain kitchen safety, sanitation, and cleanliness per Maine rules.
• Keep production and temperature records accurate and detailed.
• Understand allergies and health information affecting children.
• Prepare reports to comply with Maine DHHS requirements.
• Assist with special functions and budget-friendly supplies.

Skills

Lead kitchen staff

Large-scale cooking

Food safety

Organizational skills

Multi-tasking

Team collaboration

Computer literacy

Valid driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Do you love creating nutritious meals and thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen? The Alfond Youth & Community Center is looking for a Lead Cook to help fuel the children and families we serve. In this hands-on role, you’ll assist in leading kitchen staff in preparing and serving healthy, delicious meals and snacks while helping maintain a welcoming, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment.

Essential Functions

• Prepare and serve healthy and nutritious meals and snacks for AYCC childcare programs including Pre-School, After-School, Summer Enrichment, and Teen Program participants.
• Work with the Food & Nutrition Services Director to prepare and distribute a monthly menu of meals and snacks that meet or exceed U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] standards appropriate for the persons served.
• Maintain order, safety, sanitation, and general cleanliness in accordance with the State of Maine Health Department rules and regulations.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of number of children served and production records including temperatures.
• Understand and prepare for allergies and/or other relevant health information that may affect the child in case of injury, behavior, or mental well-being.
• Work with the Food & Nutrition Services Director to maintain records and prepare reports and claims necessary to comply with the requirements of Maine Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS]
• Prepare and serve for special functions as directed.
• Recommend needed supplies within budget limitations.

Skills & Competencies

• Commercial (large scale) cooking
• Temperament that encourages confidence, trust, and respect from the members, staff, and public within the mission of the Alfond Youth & Community Center
• Organizational skills & attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment, both independently and as a team.
• Computer competency including the ability to prepare & produce reports
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Critical thinking
• Flexibility
• A valid driver’s license with a clean record

WORK SCHEDULE

40 hours. Primary hours will take place Mon-Fri but schedule will vary; weekends will be required throughout the year.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

• A high school education or a GED equivalence is preferred.
• Knowledge of, and adherence to, food safety practices and procedure is required. ServSafe certification or ability to obtain certification is required.

Experience

• One to three years of experience cooking in a school, medical, or commercial environment is essential.
• Experience working around elementary school aged children and enjoying working in this environment is essential.

AYCC is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workplace environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.