Food Service Cook

FOODSERVICE COOK Location: EAST KINGSTON ELEMENTARY KITCHEN Date Posted: 6/12/2026 Location: East Kingston Elementary School Date Available: 08/10/2026 Position Purpose Under the general supervision of the Director of Foodservices and/or Food Service Manager, performs skilled food preparation and food service duties in support of the School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, a la carte sales, and district catering functions. Work involves preparing and serving nutritious meals, maintaining food safety and sanitation standards, following standardized recipes, and supporting the efficient operation of the school food service program. Essential Performance Responsibilities Prepares, cooks, assembles, and serves food items according to approved recipes and production schedules. Assists in meal preparation for breakfast, lunch, snack, and catering functions. Follows standardized recipes, portion control requirements, and USDA meal pattern guidelines. Assists with preparation of fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, sandwiches, baked goods, and hot entrée items. Ensures attractive presentation and quality of food products. Assists with receiving, storing, and rotating food and supplies according to established procedures. Participates in taste testing and evaluation of new menu items and recipes. Provides excellent customer service to students, staff, and visitors. Assists with meal service and replenishes serving lines as needed. Performs cashiering and point-of-sale duties when assigned. Attends required trainings and professional development opportunities. Food Safety and Sanitation Maintains compliance with USDA, HACCP, state and local health regulations, and Foodservices Department procedures. Follows all food safety and sanitation requirements during food preparation, service, storage, and cleanup. Monitors and records food temperatures as required. Maintains clean and organized workstations, storage areas, refrigerators, freezers, and dry storage areas. Assists with daily and weekly cleaning schedules. Properly operates and sanitizes kitchen equipment and utensils. Maintains current ServSafe certification or obtains certification within 60 days of hire. Recordkeeping Completes production records, temperature logs, receiving logs, and cleaning records as assigned. Assists with inventory counts and product rotation. Maintains accurate records related to food safety and meal production. Assists with documentation required for USDA Foods and food recalls when necessary. Maintains product labels and ingredient information for allergen and nutrition reference. Equipment Knowledge Safely operates commercial kitchen equipment including ovens, steamers, tilt skillets, mixers, slicers, food processors, dishwashers, and other food service equipment. Reports equipment concerns, repairs, and maintenance needs to the Foodservice Director. Demonstrates proper care and use of all assigned equipment. Travel Requirements Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of methods used in preparing and serving a variety of foods. Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP principles. Knowledge of proper food storage and handling procedures. Ability to prepare, cook, and serve food efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Ability to follow recipes and written instructions accurately. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to maintain positive working relationships with students, staff, and school personnel. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations. Ability to communicate effectively in English. Ability to provide excellent customer service. Ability to maintain standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and personal hygiene. Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards Safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, push, and pull for extended periods. Ability to work in hot, cold, and humid environments. Ability to work in refrigerated and freezer storage areas. Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment. Works in standard school cafeteria and kitchen environments. Experience Prior food service experience preferred. School nutrition or institutional food service experience is desirable. Application Procedure Please apply online. Applications will be considered only when all required materials have been submitted through the online application system. Selection Procedure All resumes will be screened and selected candidates will participate in a thorough interview process. #J-18808-Ljbffr