School Cook

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Employee discounts
• Free food & snacks
• Training & development

School Cook (Monday–Friday | No Nights or Weekends) Thrive Early Learning Center | Clarksville, TN

Schedule: Monday–Friday | 6:30 AM–12:30 PM minimum (additional hours may be available)

Looking for Better Hours and Meaningful Work?

If you're tired of nights, weekends, and holiday shifts, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

At Thrive Early Learning Center, you'll prepare healthy meals that help children learn, grow, and thrive in a warm, supportive environment. Every meal you serve helps fuel a child's day, and you'll become an important part of a team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and families.

We're looking for a dependable, organized, and caring School Cook who takes pride in preparing nutritious meals, maintaining a clean kitchen, and serving children with excellence.

Why Join Thrive?

• Monday–Friday schedule
• No evenings or weekends
• Major holidays off
• Supportive leadership team
• Positive, family-oriented culture
• Paid training and professional development
• Opportunity for additional hours based on center needs
• Meaningful work serving children every day

What You'll Do

• Prepare and serve nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for children ages 6 weeks–12 years.
• Follow weekly menus and USDA/CACFP meal pattern requirements.
• Ensure food is prepared and served safely while following all food safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Carefully follow food allergy restrictions, individualized care plans, and special dietary requirements.
• Prevent cross-contamination through proper food handling, cleaning, labeling, and storage procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen, pantry, refrigerators, and storage areas.
• Record food temperatures, meal counts, inventory, and required documentation.
• Assist with menu planning, food ordering, and inventory management.
• Communicate professionally with directors and classroom staff regarding menus, allergies, and meal needs.
• Support center events and other responsibilities as needed.
• Model Thrive's core values: Build Belonging, Lead with Love, Protect Childhood, and Grow Together.

Qualifications

Required

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work Monday–Friday beginning at 6:30 AM .
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to pass all Tennessee Child Care Licensing requirements, including a background check, physical examination, and drug screening.

Preferred

• Experience in a school, child care center, restaurant, hospital, senior living facility, or commercial kitchen.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Experience preparing meals for groups.
• Experience following food allergy and dietary restrictions.
• ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain).

We're Looking for Someone Who Is...

• Dependable and punctual
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Self-motivated and takes initiative
• Positive, friendly, and team-oriented
• Passionate about serving children
• Committed to providing a clean, safe, and welcoming kitchen

About Thrive

At Thrive Early Learning Center, we believe children flourish when they feel safe, loved, and supported. Our team is committed to providing exceptional care while creating a workplace where employees are valued, respected, and encouraged to grow professionally.

If you're looking for a stable daytime schedule, a positive team, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day, we'd love to meet you.

Apply today and become part of the Thrive family!