Preschool Kitchen Cook: Nutritious Meals & Safe Mealtimes

J K CORPORATION; Edgewood (NM); On-site; USD 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

J K CORPORATION in Edgewood, NM seeks a full-time cook to prepare safe, nutritious meals for children and support CACFP requirements. You will work with the Kitchen Manager to manage meals, inventory, and kitchen organization while maintaining a positive preschool environment.

The role emphasizes accuracy, attention to safety, and a team-first attitude; previous food service in childcare is a plus. Bilingual English preferred.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of cooking or food preparation experience preferred; school or childcare food service experience is a plus.
• Hold a current New Mexico-recognized food handler card or qualifying certification or obtain the required credential within the period allowed by law and center policy.
• Be reliable and maintain a positive attitude, show up on time, and accept feedback to help the team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and help oversee breakfast, lunch, and snacks on schedule.
• Follow approved menus and CACFP meal patterns, including required food components, age-appropriate portions, and approved substitutions. Help ensure meals are served safely and on time.
• Keep menus and substitutions updated; complete assigned daily meal counts, production or preparation records, delivery and temperature logs, and other CACFP paperwork accurately and on time.
• Follow center procedures for meals served, attendance records, food purchasing documentation, special diets, and monitoring or review visits.
• Work with the Manager to support family-style meals and a positive, respectful mealtime experience for children.
• Keep the kitchen, food-contact surfaces, equipment, dishes, utensils, and storage areas clean, sanitized, and ready for use.
• Use safe handwashing, food handling, cooking, cooling, reheating, storage, labeling, and temperature-check procedures; prevent cross-contamination and report unsafe conditions promptly.
• Keep current allergy and dietary accommodation information available to authorized staff, follow each child’s approved plan, and communicate changes with administration before serving food.
• Follow applicable New Mexico Environment Department food safety rules, ECECD licensing requirements, CACFP standards, and center procedures; help prepare for inspections and reviews.
• Monitor food, dry goods, paper goods, utensils, and kitchen supplies; maintain an accurate inventory and weekly shopping list.
• Check deliveries, rotate stock, prevent waste, and tell the Kitchen Manager when items, equipment, or supplies need attention.
• Complete assigned opening, closing, cleaning, and kitchen organization tasks without repeated reminders.

Skills

Cooking experience

Food preparation

Teamwork

Punctuality

Bilingual English

Job description

J K CORPORATION in Edgewood, NM seeks a full-time cook to prepare safe, nutritious meals for children and support CACFP requirements. You will work with the Kitchen Manager to manage meals, inventory, and kitchen organization while maintaining a positive preschool environment.

The role emphasizes accuracy, attention to safety, and a team-first attitude; previous food service in childcare is a plus. Bilingual English preferred.