About the Role

The Cook position at Stoughton Kegonsa Elementary is essential for delivering nutritious, well-prepared meals that meet the dietary needs and preferences of students and staff. This role involves preparing a variety of food items in accordance with established recipes and safety standards to ensure quality and consistency. The Cook will work closely with kitchen staff to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment while adhering to health and safety regulations. The ultimate goal is to contribute to a positive dining experience that supports the well-being and academic success of the school community. This position requires dedication to food safety, teamwork, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting.

Job Responsibilities

Prepare and cook meals according to standardized recipes and menu plans, ensuring portion control and presentation standards are met.

Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, including proper storage of food items and sanitation of work surfaces and equipment.

Follow all food safety and hygiene regulations to prevent contamination and ensure the health and safety of all consumers.

Assist in inventory management by receiving deliveries, checking supplies, and reporting shortages or quality issues to supervisors.

Collaborate with kitchen staff to coordinate meal preparation and service, adapting to any special dietary requirements or menu changes.

Minimum Qualifications

Proven experience in food preparation and cooking in a commercial or institutional kitchen setting.

Ability to communicate effectively in English to understand instructions and interact with team members.

Demonstrated manual dexterity and physical stamina to perform kitchen tasks, including standing for extended periods.

Knowledge of food safety standards and proper hygiene practices.

Capability to follow detailed recipes and maintain consistency in food production.

Preferred Qualifications

Formal culinary training or certification in food safety (e.g., ServSafe).

Experience working in a school or similar institutional food service environment.

Ability to accommodate special dietary needs such as allergies or cultural preferences.

Familiarity with inventory management and kitchen equipment maintenance.

Strong teamwork and time management skills to handle busy meal service periods efficiently.

Skills

The required skills such as food preparation and food production are fundamental to daily tasks, enabling the Cook to efficiently prepare meals that meet quality and safety standards. Proficiency in English is essential for clear communication with colleagues and understanding instructions, which ensures smooth kitchen operations. Manual dexterity supports precise handling of kitchen tools and ingredients, contributing to consistent food quality. The ability to stand for extended periods is necessary due to the physical demands of cooking and kitchen maintenance throughout the workday. Preferred skills like knowledge of food safety certifications and experience with special dietary accommodations enhance the Cook’s ability to provide safe, inclusive, and high-quality meals while effectively managing kitchen resources and collaborating with the team.

Qualifications

2 years previous experience in a school food service setting preferred
Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner
Able to follow supervisors direction and lead a small team
Strong communication skills with employees and client
Able to follow spoken and written directions
Ability to prioritize, plan and use time efficiently
Ability to lift 30 pounds and stand for long periods of time
Maintain a high level of confidentiality when dealing with student, staff, and/or parent information
ServSafe Certificate preferred
Criminal background check required
EOE/AA

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