Baker/Cook

General Responsibilities Under the direction of the Cafeteria Manager, the position is responsible for performing skilled tasks in the preparation and serving of bakery and food items in a sustainable school cafeteria setting. The position assists the cafeteria manager in all aspects of the operation to ensure the cafeteria is maintained in an orderly, safe and sanitary condition and is compliant with USDA guidelines. Essential Functions Create and prepare tasteful and desirable baked and other food items from scratch in a timely manner. Review recipes and menus, and estimate needed ingredients and the time required for the cooking and baking of a variety of foods and baked goods. Ensure a sustainable operation by maintaining a record of baked/cooked products prepared and served, including weighing production, overproduction, portion sizes, and waste. Control weight and quality of bakery products and ensure portion sizes are appropriate. Ensure items are baked/cooked at the proper temperatures and the kitchen and baking equipment adheres to sanitation regulations. Operate kitchen equipment and maintain the working area, equipment, and utensils in a clean and sanitary condition; conform to safety standards, as prescribed. Assist with set‑up, serving and operating the serving lines, cleaning the kitchen and serving areas, and cleaning utensils and equipment, as needed. Assist the cafeteria manager with inventory, ordering, storing and restocking food, materials, and supplies. Train staff as directed by the cafeteria manager. Interact and survey customers (students and staff) to elicit feedback on bakery items, and modify as appropriate. Keep abreast of the latest trends in the field and sustainable practices by participating in coaching activities, team‑building exercises, forums, school activities and professional growth activities. Perform related work as required. Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Must have thorough knowledge of baking methods and equipment; methods of preparing and serving baking items in large quantities. Ability to plan and organize work, interpret and follow instructions, work under pressure, work independently or in a team setting, perform mathematical computations, read ingredients and measure recipes. Ability to implement, analyze, and develop new products and adjust recipes in accordance with federal guidelines. Ability to work cooperatively with administrators, staff, parents, students, consultants and teachers, and direct others in preparation of bakery and other food items. Must be able to recognize and report hazards and apply safe work methods. Education And Experience Required: High School Diploma or GED. Minimum of 5 years of large‑scale preparation of bakery items or equivalent experience. Preferred: Culinary school experience; previous experience working in a sustainable kitchen and/or school food services environment. Physical Requirements Ability to use sensory skills to communicate and interact with employees and the public. Frequent walking, standing, bending, grasping, repetitive motion, reaching; occasional sitting, stooping, crouching. Moderate exposure to extreme heat, fumes, smoke, odors, hazards, chemicals, moving mechanical parts, or loud noises. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently. Requires adherence to established work schedules. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. Special Requirements Possession of a valid driver’s license. Active Sanitation Certification. Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position. Benefits Full range of benefits including health insurance, paid life insurance, paid sick/annual leave, tuition reimbursement, professional development, and membership in the Virginia Retirement System. #J-18808-Ljbffr Virginia Beach City Public Schools