Nutrition Services Cook
Starting Date: Immediately
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Employment Term: Non-Exempt, Full Time; 11 Months
Salary/Wage Range: $18.58 - $29.88 per hour. New hires offered up to mid-point depending on qualifications and experience.
Summary: The primary purpose of this position is to receive, prepare, cook, and serve meals for the NMSD USDA Student Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, the residential Family Style Dinner Program, and Campus Events while following all applicable regulations and guidelines.
- Communicate the philosophy of the NMSD Foodservice Program and school wellness policy.
- Follow all relevant policies, procedures, regulations, codes and guidelines from agencies including NMSD, USDA, NMPED, NMED.
- Maintain thorough knowledge of Food Safety Regulations, HACCP, USDA Meal Patterns and related requirements.
- Prepare quality food for individual meals or large groups; read recipes, production records, and food event forms.
- Perform precise mathematical calculations for weights, volumes, and quantities.
- Assess product quality and freshness; maintain freshness systems.
- Serve and count meals in a friendly, professional manner, promoting healthy nutrition.
- Receive product deliveries, follow NMSD and NMED safety and storage procedures, including FIFO.
- Conduct accurate monthly inventory and track product use, transfers, and discards.
- Contribute to food waste reduction.
- Maintain daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning and sanitizing of facility and equipment.
- Operate all kitchen and cashier IT equipment safely.
- Follow a "clean as you go" work style.
Position‑Specific Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent (preferred).
- Prior experience as a commercial cook (required).
- Experience cooking for a USDA school nutrition program (preferred).
- Fluency in English (verbal, reading, writing) and ability to read recipes and documentation.
- Spanish language skills highly preferred.
- Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
- Knowledge of safe lifting techniques and use of carts or hand trucks.
General Qualifications and Expectations
- Committed to NMSD’s Vision, Mission, and Beliefs.
- Strong reading, writing, and communication skills for reports and correspondence.
- Proficiency in American Sign Language or willingness to learn.
- Organized, detail‑oriented, and capable of managing competing demands.
- Analytical and able to aggregate data for program improvement.
- Continuous learner who seeks feedback and pursues training.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and Outlook.
- Math skills: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, rate, ratio, percentage, graph interpretation.
- Reasoning and problem‑solving abilities.
- Teamwork, cooperation, and respect for diversity.
- Ethical behavior, integrity, and adherence to policies.
- Dependability, initiative, and safety awareness.
- Physical demands include occasional moving up to 30 pounds, standing, walking, sitting, and traveling long periods.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer and ensure that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment.