Substitute Cook

Zuni Public Schools; Zuni Pueblo (NM); On-site; USD 15,153 - 20,664; Part time

Job summary

Zuni Public Schools is seeking a Substitute Cook to prepare and serve food while maintaining a clean environment. This role requires following USDA and State requirements in a professional manner.

The ideal candidate should have a High School diploma or GED, a valid New Mexico Food Handler Card, and the ability to supervise students. This position offers a daily rate of $11.50/hour.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required.
• Must have a valid New Mexico Food Handler Card.
• Preferred one year of experience in food preparation and serving.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve a variety of foods.
• Maintain a clean kitchen environment.
• Supervise students during food service.

Skills

Food preparation

Communication

Time management

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or GED

Valid New Mexico Food Handler Card

Valid Driver’s License

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Cleaning supplies

Job description

Substitute Cook

Reports to: Supervisor

Site: School

Daily Rate: $11.50/hour

Position Details

• Position Type: Student Support Services/ Cook
• Date Posted: 5/8/2026
• Location: Zuni Public School District

Purpose

Under general supervision prepares and serves food, maintains a clean environment, follows USDA and State requirements in a timely, safe and professional manner.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
• Valid New Mexico Food Handler Card
• One year of professional experience in preparing and serving food preferred
• Knowledge of food preparation, food service methods and equipment helpful
• Ability to plan, read, measure, calculate and meet deadlines
• Valid Driver’s License required; Must have a clear/safe driving record with no points against the record
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective relationship with students, peers and parents
• Ability to communicate with students effectively
• Must possess and maintain good personal hygiene
• Able to perform the following essential duties, physical and mental functions and utilize the essential equipment of the position with or without reasonable accommodation

Essential Duties

• Participate in preparing a variety of foods, such as soups, salads, meats, vegetables, breads, and desserts
• Make sandwich fillings and prepares sandwiches
• Set up foods prepared for serving on counters and steam tables
• Serves food at breakfast, lunch, and snacks as assigned
• Accurately accounts for food preparation
• Operates and cleans various kitchen equipment
• Cleans kitchen equipment and area, Scrubs counters, tables and floors
• Stores and takes care of supplies
• Counts inventory when assigned
• Supervises students and maintains order as necessary
• Deals with stressful conditions in a professional manner
• Conforms to safety standards prescribed
• Must have patience, be neat, personable, kind, and courteous
• Participates in on-site training
• Assist students with disabilities and makes accommodations as addressed in their Individual Education Plan
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students
• Perform assigned duties in a timely basis

Physical Functions

Majority of tasks and duties are performed indoors and in confined work areas. Work area involves being in and around knives and sharp objects, equipment, appliances, varying temperatures, and on cement floors; Frequently required to stand, reach, grasp, bend, twist, stoop, talk, listen, walk, and climb; Usually walks on even surfaces indoors and uneven surfaces outdoors; Must possess enough strength and power to grab handle kitchen appliances and equipment, large containers of food, and mopping equipment; Pushing/pulling: up to 50-75 lbs., large containers of food; Lifting: up to 75 lbs., occasionally 50-60 lbs., frequently 10-25 lbs. constantly; Carrying: up to 20-25 lbs.; Hand and eye coordination in operating equipment, appliances and containers of food; Exposed to various degrees of noises (talking, music, etc.). The noise level in the kitchen and cafeteria environment is usually moderate to loud; Exposed to various temperatures ranging from mild/moderate to extreme cold/heat, (ovens, refrigerators, freezers, water, food) conditions; Works in close proximity of other individuals; General vision, corrected to 20/20, reads a multitude of menus, inventory, instructions, forms, logs and correspondence. Ability to adjust visual focus from varying distances (dashboard to road); Must possess hand and eye coordination for operating equipment and driving vehicles; Exposed to various cleaning compounds and chemicals.

Mental Functions

Must be able to:

• apply knowledge of requirements to operate equipment and safe driving
• plan and implement equipment inspections and preventive maintenance for assigned kitchen equipment and appliances
• read, analyze and interpret menus, inventory, temperatures, maps and road signs
• interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written and oral form
• deal with students and parents in such a way to maintain their goodwill
• respond appropriately to student behavior and discipline
• respond appropriately to supervision and accept recommendations
• presents information effectively and responds to questions from students and parents, peers, mechanics and supervisor
• interpret and follow instructions
• meet deadlines and work under pressure
• recognize and report hazards and apply a safe work method

Essential Equipment

• Refrigerator, freezer, oven, etc.
• Kitchen tools, knives, spoons, forks, etc.
• Kitchen equipment and appliances
• Brooms, mops and cleaning supplies