Preschool Cook

Chesterbrook-Academy; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Employee referral bonus

Same-day access to earned wages

Job summary

Chesterbrook Academy is hiring a dependable Cook to prepare and serve nutritious meals for students in a school setting. You will follow approved menus, maintain food safety, manage inventory, and address allergies and dietary needs.

The role requires at least two years in a childcare or school kitchen, a high school diploma or GED, and ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Competitive compensation and wage-acceleration benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Must have at least two years of experience in a licensed childcare kitchen, school cafeteria, or comparable food service setting.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, allergy protocols, and safe storage.
• Ability to read menus and allergen information and maintain records.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, portion, and serve age-appropriate meals and snacks.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen and proper inventory records.
• Follow approved menus and substitutions; monitor inventory and orders.
• Ensure allergies and dietary needs are addressed carefully; review ingredient labels.

Skills

Food safety

Organization

Communication

Teamwork

Customer service

Record keeping

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

ServSafe certification

Job description

Cook - Chesterbrook Academy

Chesterbrook Academy is seeking a dependable, safety-focused Cook to prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks for students. Our balanced, STEAM-focused approach helps students become creative problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and confident leaders, and a well-run kitchen is an essential part of the safe and welcoming school environment that supports their success.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Employee referral bonus
• Same-day access to earned wages through Dayforce Wallet

About the Role

As the Cook, you will prepare, portion, and serve food in accordance with approved menus, child nutrition guidelines, food safety standards, and established food production procedures. You will maintain a clean and organized kitchen, manage food inventory and required records, and help ensure that allergies and special dietary needs are addressed carefully. This role also uses food, supplies, and equipment thoughtfully to minimize waste and support the school’s food service budget.

You Will Also…

• Plan, post, and follow approved menus, making appropriate substitutions when necessary
• Prepare, cook, portion, and serve age-appropriate meals and snacks at safe temperatures and in appropriate serving containers
• Monitor daily food quantities based on student attendance and maintain accurate meal, snack, inventory, and ordering records
• Follow all food allergy and special dietary requirements, maintain current allergy information, and review ingredient labels carefully
• Receive, store, and rotate food and supplies safely using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method
• Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen, including counters, shelving, appliances, dishes, cookware, utensils, floors, and waste containers
• Keep kitchen equipment in safe working order and promptly report maintenance needs, safety concerns, or incidents
• Follow all company and local health, sanitation, hygiene, emergency, and food service requirements
• Collaborate with school leaders and staff while providing courteous, responsive service to students and families
• Support other school needs as assigned, including occasional classroom coverage when needed and appropriately qualified

What We’re Looking For

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED required
• At least two years of relevant experience in a licensed childcare kitchen, commercial kitchen, school cafeteria, or comparable food service setting
• Food handler permit or license as required by state or local regulations
• ServSafe certification or a manager-level food handler certification preferred
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, safe storage, child nutrition, age-appropriate portions, and allergy protocols
• Strong organization, communication, teamwork, and customer service skills
• Ability to read menus, sanitation requirements, ingredient labels, and allergen information and maintain accurate written or electronic records
• Ability to stand and walk frequently and safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds while performing kitchen duties
• Ability to successfully complete all required criminal background checks without exemption
• Ability to meet applicable state education and licensing standards and maintain required credentials and professional development