Cook

Cook at Pawhuska High School

The Cook at Pawhuska High School plays a vital role in preparing nutritious and appealing meals for students and staff, ensuring that food quality and safety standards are consistently met. This position requires the ability to efficiently manage food preparation tasks while adhering to established recipes and portion controls to support the school's meal programs. The Cook will contribute to creating a positive dining experience by maintaining cleanliness and organization in the kitchen environment. Collaboration with other kitchen staff and school personnel is essential to meet daily meal service demands and accommodate special dietary needs. Ultimately, this role supports the health and well-being of the school community through dedicated food production and service excellence.

Job Responsibilities

Prepare and cook meals according to established menus and nutritional guidelines.

Ensure all food is handled safely and stored properly to maintain quality and prevent contamination.

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, utensils, and work areas in compliance with health regulations.

Assist in inventory management by receiving, storing, and rotating food supplies.

Collaborate with kitchen staff to coordinate meal service and accommodate special dietary requests.

Stand for extended periods while performing food preparation and cooking tasks.

Communicate effectively in English with team members and supervisors to ensure smooth kitchen operations.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.

Proven experience in food preparation and cooking in a commercial or institutional kitchen setting.

Basic understanding of food safety and sanitation standards.

Ability to stand for extended periods and perform manual tasks related to food production.

Proficiency in speaking and understanding English to follow instructions and communicate effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

Certification in food safety or culinary arts.

Experience working in a school or institutional food service environment.

Knowledge of nutrition and special dietary requirements.

Ability to operate kitchen equipment such as ovens, slicers, and mixers.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Skills

The required skills such as food preparation and food production are essential for daily meal planning, cooking, and ensuring portion control. Manual dexterity is used constantly when handling kitchen tools and ingredients to prepare meals efficiently and safely. Speaking English fluently enables clear communication with team members and supervisors, which is critical for coordinating tasks and maintaining a safe work environment. The ability to stand for extended periods supports the physical demands of cooking and kitchen maintenance throughout the workday. Preferred skills like knowledge of nutrition and food safety certifications enhance the quality and compliance of meal services, contributing to a healthier school community.