Cook

School Cook – Fuel Young Minds with Every Meal!Are you passionate about cooking and looking for a job that aligns with your life? Join our school nutrition team as a Cook and help prepare fresh, nutritious meals that give students the energy to learn and thrive!What You'll Do:Cook and prepare a variety of meals according to school menusEnsure all food is safely cooked and presented with careMaintain a clean and organized kitchen workspaceWork with team members to serve meals in a timely, friendly mannerSupport special dietary needs and food allergy safety proceduresWhy You'll Love This Job:Family-friendly schedule – you're home by mid-afternoonNo nights, weekends, or holidaysPaid training and steady hoursBe part of a mission that matters – healthy meals fuel better learningFriendly, team-oriented school environmentWe're Looking For:Basic knowledge of cooking techniques (we'll train the right person!)A commitment to cleanliness and food safetyA dependable and positive attitudeComfort working in a school kitchen environmentA passion for helping kids grow strong and healthyWhy Join Us?Competitive pay + opportunities for growthComprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, and retirementPaid time offAbout Us:At Whitsons, we believe food has the power to transform a school day. Our cooks are everyday heroes who prepare meals that nourish bodies and minds. Join us and bring your heart to the kitchen where it matters most.Apply today and help cook up a brighter future—at Whitsons our mission is Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time™.$18.50/hourRequired Qualifications and CompetenciesEducationHigh school diploma or equivalent required; must complete all Whitsons and government-required training as necessary.ExperienceMinimum 1 year of professional culinary or food service experience required; school nutrition or institutional food service experience preferred.CertificationsServSafe certification required or must obtain within a defined timeframe upon hire; local food safety certification required in any jurisdiction of employment.Other QualificationsMust be proficient in recipe procedures and cooking techniques; ability to speak and read English sufficient to understand and perform job assignments, follow recipes, and comply with safety requirements.Always presents a positive and professional image; ability to work effectively as part of a food service team in a fast-paced kitchen environment; genuine interest in school nutrition and student health.Core CompetenciesCulinary Skill & Recipe Adherence: Demonstrates proficiency in cooking techniques, batch cooking, and recipe execution; consistently meets portioning, presentation, and nutritional compliance standards for every meal served.Food Safety & Compliance: Maintains rigorous adherence to HACCP, ServSafe, and all applicable food safety and sanitation standards; completes temperature logs and production records accurately and on time every shift.Execution & Reliability: Manages the timing and sequencing of cooking operations to meet meal service deadlines consistently; follows all Whitsons policies, production standards, and assigned schedules with accuracy and dependability.Attention to Detail: Demonstrates care in portioning, temperature monitoring, station setup, signage, and documentation; ensures every station is stocked, clean, and properly maintained throughout the service day.Teamwork: Works cooperatively with the Chef Manager and fellow food service workers; contributes to a productive, positive kitchen environment and supports the team in achieving daily service goals.Customer Focus: Takes pride in the quality and presentation of every meal served; maintains a welcoming, clean, and visually appealing station and understands that student satisfaction and participation are the ultimate measure of success.Work Environment and Other DetailsExpected Hours of WorkThis is a full-time non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are aligned with the school district's food service schedule. Occasional extended hours may be required in support of special events or operational needs.Travel RequirementsThis position is primarily site-based. Occasional travel to other school locations within the district may be required for substitute coverage or operational support.Physical Demands of the JobThe Team Member is required to stand on their feet for the majority of the workday; frequently walk, talk, and hear; use hands and fingers to handle food, tools, and equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side. Exposure to extreme temperatures (hot and cold) due to cooking and refrigeration equipment. Movement in and out of storerooms and near ovens and freezers is regularly required. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Work EnvironmentThis position operates primarily in a kitchen and food service production environment. Standing is required for the majority of the workday. The noise level is moderate to loud during meal service periods.The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work and duties that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, and Whitsons reserves the right to add additional duties or modify existing duties.The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Whitsons and team member and is subject to change by Whitsons as the needs of Whitsons and requirements of the job change.