Head Cook

Head Cook

The Huntingdon Area School District seeks to hire a Head Cook at Southside Elementary for the 2026-2027 school year. Pay rate will follow the CBA and range from $13.56- $17.81, based on relative experience. The Head Cook position also receives an additional $1.00 per hour.

Title: Head Cook

Reports to: Director of Food Service/Building Principal and or Superintendent

Job Summary: The primary function of the Head Cook is to manage daily food preparation, maintain kitchen organization, and delegate tasks to cafeteria helpers, ensuring that all meals are prepared in compliance with quality standards. The Head Cook is also responsible for creating a safe and welcoming environment for all stakeholders by adhering to district policies and food safety guidelines while promoting high-quality customer service.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Oversight of Cafeteria Helpers

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for the preparation and distribution of daily lunches to students and staff
• Responsible for the scheduling and distribution of all prepared food for District lunch programs
• Responsible for preparing and ordering food and supplies on a weekly or bi-weekly basis
• Assist in the development of menus with the Food Service Director
• Responsible to ensure menu instructions are posted and followed as developed by the Food Service Director
• Responsible for receipt and secure storage of all food and supplies; ensures stock is rotated as necessary
• Responsible for preparing reports and documents regarding inventory, cash reconciliation, food consumed, meals served, and other items as requested by the Food Service Director
• Responsible to adhere to proper sanitation procedures in all areas of food service operation
• Responsible to maintain and inspect cafeteria equipment to ensure it is in safe and good working condition
• Responsible to understand and know how to operate all food service equipment
• Responsible for ensuring adherence to appropriate inventory and receiving procedures
• Responsible for ensuring accurate data reporting regarding food usage sheets and production records, food temperatures, and supplies used
• Responsible for operating the cash register and balancing the cash drawer and the entry of daily monies
• Responsible for cleaning tables after each meal service
• Responsible for running daily and monthly reports and managing student accounts
• Responsible for assisting with weekly truck deliveries
• Responsible for having knowledge of National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs guidelines and regulations to interpret meal pattern menu changes and substitutions when needed.
• Must complete all mandatory training specified by the district and contracted services.
• Responsible to attend to student food allergies by communicating to other staff the needs and providing appropriate items to ensure student safety
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years working experience in food service preferred, or any acceptable combination of education and/or training
• Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must have a basic understanding of technology platforms such as Google Docs and email
• Must be able to communicate through multiple channels of communication effectively
• Must be able to demonstrate basic math skills

Physical Demands:

• Ability to reach above and below the waist
• Use fingers to pick, feel, and grasp objects
• Use both hands for repetitive motion
• Some bending and twisting of the body required
• Ability to lift and/or carry up to 40 lbs.
• Must be able to walk/move/sometimes run throughout the work environment
• Standing for extended periods of time

Work Environment:

• Subject to extreme hot and cold environmental conditions
• Subject to inside/outside environmental conditions
• Subject to wear gloves, hair net, non-slip shoes, and long pants

Sensory Abilities:

• Visual acuity and auditory acuity

Temperament:

• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills
• Must be cooperative, congenial, and service-oriented, flexible
• Must be able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions
• Must be able to work as a member of a team
• Must be able to work independently
• Must be detail-oriented

Cognitive Ability:

• Follow written and verbal directions
• Read and write fluently
• Communicate effectively
• Organize tasks
• Handle multiple tasks
• Exercise good judgment
• Possess conflict mediation skills

Terms of Employment: 180 days

Salary and benefits: Salary is to be determined by the Huntingdon Area Educational Support Professionals Association's current contract.

Evaluation: Annually by Supervisor 2