Nutrition Specialist/Cook

Job Description

Job Description

Position Description

Nutrition Specialist / Cook

Reports To: Director, Mt. Olive Early Learning Center (MOELC)
Employment Type: Part-Time (30 hours/week)
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Position Summary

Mt. Olive Early Learning Center (MOELC) is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and experienced Nutrition Specialist/Cook to prepare healthy, nutritious, and appealing meals for children ages 13 months through 5 years . The ideal candidate will possess experience preparing plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan meals while maintaining compliance with CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) guidelines and Georgia Bright from the Start regulations.

As a ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church , the Nutrition Specialist is expected to support the principles of Adventist health and wellness by preparing wholesome meals that promote healthy lifestyles and reflect our Christian values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare a variety of healthy vegetarian and vegan meals that are appealing and developmentally appropriate for young children.
• Follow all USDA CACFP meal pattern requirements and maintain accurate meal production records.
• Ensure food is prepared, stored, and served in accordance with all food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment at all times.
• Monitor food temperatures and maintain required food safety logs.
• Receive, inspect, rotate, and properly store food deliveries using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory practices.
• Assist the Director with menu planning and recipe development.
• Maintain kitchen inventory and communicate ordering needs in a timely manner.
• Accommodate food allergies and physician-directed dietary restrictions.
• Wash dishes and sanitize all food preparation areas daily.
• Complete all opening and closing kitchen responsibilities.
• Work collaboratively with classroom staff during meal service.
• Attend required staff meetings and professional development trainings.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience preparing meals in a childcare center, school cafeteria, healthcare facility, or commercial kitchen.
• Demonstrated experience preparing vegan and vegetarian meals .
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to stand, bend, and work in a kitchen environment for extended periods.

Required Certifications

• ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
  • Must possess certification or obtain certification within the timeframe established by MOELC after hire.
• Satisfactory Criminal Background Check.
• Completion of all Bright from the Start required trainings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a licensed childcare center.
• Knowledge of USDA CACFP regulations and documentation.
• Experience planning healthy vegetarian menus.
• CPR/First Aid Certification (preferred).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate should demonstrate knowledge of:

• Vegan and vegetarian meal preparation.
• Child nutrition and age-appropriate meal planning.
• USDA CACFP meal requirements.
• Food allergies and special dietary accommodations.
• Proper sanitation, food handling, and kitchen safety procedures.
• Basic inventory management and ordering practices.

Faith-Based Expectations

Mt. Olive Early Learning Center is a ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church . Employees are expected to support the mission and values of the center.

The ideal candidate should:

• Have knowledge of Seventh-day Adventist health principles and the preparation of wholesome vegetarian meals.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the Adventist philosophy of health, wellness, and nutrition.
• Treat every child, family, and coworker with kindness, respect, patience, and Christian love.
• Support the center's Christ-centered educational environment through positive conduct and teamwork.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Lift and carry food supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Bend, reach, stoop, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks.
• Work safely in warm kitchen conditions.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday
7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Mt. Olive Early Learning Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants who support the mission and values of our Christian learning community are encouraged to apply.