School Cook - ForceSource

Job Title: School Cook

Location: School Districts, Iowa

Position Summary: The School Cook is dedicated to preparing and serving nutritious meals that meet both students' dietary needs and school district quality standards. This role combines food preparation, menu planning, and collaboration within a supportive, fast-paced kitchen environment to positively impact students' school experience. By following state and federal guidelines, this position ensures that every meal served is not only healthy but also aligns with dietary restrictions and preferences.

Key Responsibilities:

Food Preparation and Cooking

• Prepare and cook meals following standardized recipes and district guidelines.
• Ensure meals meet nutritional standards and accommodate various dietary restrictions (e.g., allergies, religious dietary needs).
• Work efficiently to serve meals on time during scheduled breakfast, lunch, and snack periods.

Menu Planning and Inventory Management

• Assist with menu planning in collaboration with school nutrition staff, ensuring compliance with USDA meal pattern requirements.
• Monitor and maintain kitchen inventory, reporting any shortages or needs for restocking.
• Rotate stock, monitor food freshness, and minimize waste.

Safety and Sanitation

• Maintain a clean, organized kitchen that complies with health and safety standards.
• Follow proper food handling, storage, and disposal practices.
• Clean and sanitize cooking equipment, work areas, and utensils after use.

Team Collaboration and Communication

• Work collaboratively with other kitchen staff and school personnel to maintain a positive, efficient work environment.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and staff to address kitchen needs, menu changes, and other requirements.
• Support training and mentoring of new kitchen staff as needed.

Compliance and Reporting

• Adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations related to school nutrition programs.
• Assist in tracking meal counts, inventory, and other required data for reporting purposes.
• Comply with the school district's food service policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience: Previous experience in a kitchen or food service environment is preferred. Experience in institutional or school food service is a plus.
• Skills:
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation procedures.
  • Ability to follow standardized recipes and meal pattern requirements.
  • Strong time-management skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Comfortable working in hot, humid, and sometimes noisy kitchen environments.

Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time Available Salary: Based on experience and school district pay scale. Benefits may apply per district guidelines. Reports to: School Food Service Manager