Lead Cook

Lead Cook – Taft College The Lead Cook supports campus dining operations by planning and preparing meals, guiding kitchen staff and student workers, and ensuring high standards of food quality, sanitation, and customer service. Representative Duties Prepare meals in the college food service program or Children’s Center. Train and guide kitchen staff and student workers in food preparation, delivery, storage and sanitation procedures. Supply and replenish the serving line. Check the worksheet on the bulletin board before commencing food preparation. Prepare food as directed using recipes or oral instructions. Clean work area, including shelves, refrigerators and freezers; conduct thorough cleanup of the kitchen promptly. Follow sanitary and safety standards in food preparation. Submit orders to suppliers in the absence of the supervisor. Ensure frozen foods are stored and handled correctly. Maintain, clean and sanitize kitchen area. Assist in record keeping and follow regulations for assigned food service areas. Assist students or faculty in serving meals and following sanitary procedures. Provide direction to cooks for scheduling of special events. Perform other duties as assigned. Knowledge of Basic English to understand assignments and simple menu design. General food service standard recipes and practices. College food service inventory procedures. Food service equipment uses and procedures. Sanitation and kitchen safety procedures. Use and secure prescribed chemicals and detergents. State Guidelines from the California Child and Adult Care Food Program. Development of grocery lists and shopping. College security procedures. College food service event procedures. Ability to Learn, understand and explain all applicable laws, rules and processes. Use a computer for preparing menus and ordering food. Communicate effectively with children and adults. Follow directions. Prepare meals to meet time schedule. Read and understand basic menus and assignments. Perform routine repetitive work. Assist in directing staff and student workers. Working Conditions Physical Requirements: work at a desk, conference table, or in meetings; stand and circulate for extended periods; see for reading printed matter and observing students; hear and understand speech at normal levels; communicate clearly; bend, twist, run and jump; lift and carry up to 50 lbs; reach in all directions. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent and at least 1 year of experience in food preparation for adults, including preparing, ordering and servicing, with experience in a lead capacity. ServSafe Food Handler Certification (must present before start date). Desirable Qualifications Experience working in an institutional kitchen and dining facility; willingness to visit classrooms, attend meetings and training offsite; ability to work with children or developmentally disabled adults. Salary and Benefits Grade 14 classified salary schedule; starting hourly range $22.74‑$26.31. Full‑time 12‑month position with comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision coverage, vacation plan, eligibility for CalPERS or CalSTRS retirement, optional 457(b) and 403(b) plans. The West Kern Community College District is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity. The District is dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination and, as such, is an equal opportunity employer. Veterans, women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. This employer participates in E‑Verify. #J-18808-Ljbffr