Cook

Cook Position

The Cook is responsible for the implementation of food services in a Head Start/Early Head Start program serving children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Responsibilities include preparing attractive, USDA-approved and CACFP-approved meals; keeping the kitchen clean and sanitary according to Health Department ordinances, maintaining adequate food stocks (ordering milk and food), kitchen supplies, attending trainings and food service records, including production books, menu writing.

The Cook will ultimately be evaluated on a combination of skills, dispositions and behaviors, some of which are related to the specific service area of this position and others that represent general expectations of all Mississippi State University – Extension Head Start Program employees. Immediate Supervisor: Center Operations Coordinator

Salary Grade: 07

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Area of Specialization: MSU Extension Head Start Programs - Hancock County

Anticipated Appointment Date: October 2025.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Nutritious Cooking: Prepares nutritious meals that take into consideration children's various cultures and individual nutritional and medical needs.
• Understands and uses child nutritional needs and age-specific portion sizes to prepare meals in accordance with USDA, Head Start, and CACFP guidelines.
• Understands and strictly adheres to health, safety, food handling, and sanitation requirements before, during and after meal preparation.
• Follows menu guidelines and adjusts when necessary due to the availability of menu items or an individual child's needs, with proper documentation and record keeping.
• Support the planning, preparation and participation of nutritious cooking activities with children and staff.
• Food Services:
• Prepare assigned menu and participate in family-style meals with children, volunteers, and staff.
• Work in conjunction with the Center Operations Coordinator (COC) and teachers to monitor family style dining in classrooms and document as appropriate.
• Maintain food service record-keeping and reporting as directed by supervisor.
• Conduct weekly documented inventory of food and supplies.
• Complete every other week food and supplies orders with COC review and approval, not to exceed $4,900.
• Check food deliveries for accuracy and for good quality. Notify COC when an item is missing or of poor quality.
• Store food and supplies properly. Date all canned, boxed and bagged foods. Use the First In, First Out (FIFO) method of inventory.
• Monitor and maintain proper food temperatures.
• Monitor and maintain proper temperatures of all refrigerators and freezers.
• Maintain appropriate cleanliness of all kitchen materials, environment and supplies as required.
• Maintain list and be aware of center food allergies and concerns. Prepare alternate menu items as needed for the children with allergies or food restrictions.
• Assist in delivery of food to classrooms and of dirty dishes from the classroom.
• Lead and partner with Assistant Cook to prepare food, clean kitchen environment, wash dishes, remove trash and conduct inventory and put away deliveries.
• Participates in assigned meetings, events and training as required.
• Check email daily, at minimum, and respond to emails, phone calls and walkie talky communications.
• Support with snacks and special activities when instructed.
• Performs any and all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High School diploma or GED.
• Experience: Two (2) years' experience related to the specified duties and responsibilities.
• Substitution: An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.
• SERV Safe Certification or obtain such certification within 3 months.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in purchasing and preparing diverse foods for groups. Knowledge of early childhood nutrition.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Availability to travel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively, respectfully, professionally-both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated computer literacy skills, using MS Office applications and other basic data systems including internet navigation.
• Must be honest, dependable and able to meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

Physical Requirements: Physical exam and background checks are required for this position. Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions. Ability to sit most of the time with some bending and reaching. Ability to stand, walk, and bend periodically. Ability to engage in repetitive movement of wrists, hands, and fingers – stirring, lifting, prepping food, typing and/or writing. Ability to work frequently at close visual range (i.e. preparing and analyzing data and figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal, extensive reading). Ability to receive and respond to oral communication. Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

Work Environment: Work is generally performed in a kitchen and an office environment. Noise level in the work environment is moderate to occasionally loud (examples: banging, clanging, chopping, business office with computers and printers, light to moderate traffic, human voices). Standard office equipment generally used includes: Telephone, Computer (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) or Tablet, Printer/Photocopy Machine, Calculator, Walkie Talkie. May be required to operate a motor vehicle during the course of duties.

Instructions for Applying:

All applicants MUST apply online at to be considered for this position. The following documents and information are required for application: Cover Letter, Resume, Contact information for at least three professional references.

Screening Date: September 15, 2025, until filled.

Restricted Clause: Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, View phone number on click.appcast.io.

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