Assistant Cook

About the Role

The Assistant Cook at Marshall Park Side Elementary plays a vital role in supporting the preparation and delivery of nutritious meals to students and staff, ensuring a positive dining experience that promotes health and well-being. This position involves assisting with food preparation, cooking, and serving while adhering strictly to food safety and sanitation standards. The Assistant Cook collaborates closely with the kitchen team to maintain efficient food service operations and contribute to menu planning that meets dietary guidelines and student preferences. Attention to detail and a commitment to quality are essential to ensure that all meals are prepared on time and meet the school's nutritional standards. Ultimately, this role supports the overall mission of providing a safe, welcoming, and nourishing environment within the school cafeteria.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and cooking of meals according to established recipes and menu plans.
• Ensure all food handling and preparation activities comply with food safety regulations and sanitation standards.
• Support the setup and breakdown of the kitchen and serving areas, maintaining cleanliness and organization throughout the shift.
• Collaborate with the kitchen team to monitor inventory levels and assist with receiving and storing food supplies properly.
• Serve meals to students and staff in a courteous and efficient manner, addressing any special dietary needs as directed.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic knowledge of food service operations and food safety practices.
• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and perform kitchen tasks including lifting and carrying supplies.
• Valid food handler certification or willingness to obtain one upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a school or institutional food service environment.
• Familiarity with menu planning and nutritional guidelines for school-aged children.
• Additional food safety certifications such as ServSafe.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with students, staff, and team members.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen setting.

Skills

The required skills in food service and food safety are applied daily to ensure that all meals are prepared and served in compliance with health regulations, safeguarding the well-being of students and staff. Knowledge of food service operations enables the Assistant Cook to contribute effectively to the smooth functioning of the kitchen, from food preparation to inventory management. Menu planning skills support collaboration with the culinary team to provide balanced and appealing meal options that meet nutritional standards. Preferred skills such as experience in institutional food service and advanced food safety certifications enhance the ability to maintain high-quality standards and adapt to the specific needs of a school environment. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for coordinating tasks, maintaining a clean workspace, and delivering excellent customer service within the school cafeteria.