Early Learning Cook

Job DetailsJob Location: Whatcom Family YMCA - Bellingham, WA 98225Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $20.30 - $21.50 HourlyMake a difference every day—starting in the kitchen. At the Whatcom Family YMCA, we believe every child deserves a healthy start. As our Barkley Early Learning Center Cook, you’ll play a vital role in nurturing young children by preparing nutritious, delicious meals that fuel their growth, learning, and joy. This isn’t just a cooking job—it’s an opportunity to be part of a mission-driven team committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.   What You’ll Do Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and two daily snacks for children ages 1–5 Follow CACFP guidelines to ensure meals meet nutritional standards Accommodate food allergies and dietary needs with approved substitutions Maintain high standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and food safety Collaborate with leadership to plan menus and manage food inventory/orders Ensure proper food storage and delivery procedures Work alongside teaching staff to support food-related activities Create a warm, welcoming environment for children and families   Our Commitment to You At the YMCA, we’re more than a workplace—we’re a community. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive regardless of background or identity. We work every day to: Remove barriers to access Support working families Improve community health Empower the next generation   Why Join the Y? Meaningful work that impacts children and families Supportive, mission-driven team environment Opportunities for growth and ongoing training A workplace that values diversity, equity, and belonging OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY: Everything we do at the YMCA is based on the ideal that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or identity, diverse abilities, age, religion, socioeconomic status or any other statuses or identities. Our work is focused on eliminating barriers to access, eliminating disparities in health, providing educational support, supporting working families, and growing our next generation of change makers for our country. YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader): Advancing Our Mission & Cause: Engaging Community, Philanthropy Building Relationships: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, Inclusion Leading Operations: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Functional Expertise, Innovation Developing & Inspiring People: Developing Self & Others, Emotional Maturity QualificationsWhat You Bring Age 18+ with high school diploma (or equivalent) Experience cooking for large groups Knowledge of nutrition, food safety, and basic cooking techniques Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment Strong time management and multitasking skills A passion for working around young children and supporting families Willingness to continue learning in early childhood education and nutrition Certifications (or willingness to obtain): CPR/AED & First Aid (Adult, Infant & Child) Food Handler’s Card MERIT ID & Portable Background Check HIV/Bloodborne Pathogen training Negative TB Test & MMR Immunization Record WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities. The employee is required to stand for an entire shift, and must be able to move between classrooms and buildings. The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.