Cook I - 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Kanawha County Schools - Charleston, WV

Full-time - Entry Level

Onsite - Charleston, WV

About the position

The Cook I position at West Side Middle School involves responsible cooking and baking duties, adhering to nutritionally sound menus, and may include inventory and record-keeping tasks. The role requires specific training in quantity cooking and operates under minimal supervision after initial orientation. The cook may also take on additional responsibilities in the absence of the Cafeteria Manager, ensuring a safe and efficient kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintains regular attendance.
• Reviews weekly menus for planning food preparation schedule.
• Operates commercial food service equipment.
• Prepares menus for daily service.
• Maintains temperature readings.
• Assembles, measures, and mixes ingredients of food items.
• Follows written, verbal and other directions.
• Acts as Cafeteria Manager when necessary, assigning duties and inspecting food ready for consumption.
• Supervises or participates in cleaning, maintenance and security of kitchen and storage areas.
• Maintains a neat and orderly work area.
• Complies with KCS Policies.
• Receives permission from building principal/supervisor to work in excess of 40 hours per week.
• Arranges food to be served on a daily basis.
• Maintains accurate records which may include receipts, inventories of equipment and food supplies.
• Cleans all equipment used in preparing and serving meals (Cook I and II).
• Receives, inspects, orders and stores food supplies following established procedures (Cook III).
• Inputs data in computer when applicable (Cook III).
• Oversees the operation of the kitchen (Cafeteria Manager).
• Cooperates with various school programs, groups and outside organizations using the school cafeteria, including planning and supervising the preparation and serving for special events.
• Prepares special dietary items for identified students.
• Trains/instructs substitute cooks assigned to the work location in preparation of school meals.
• Maintains and operates equipment and utensils common to large quantity preparation, cooking, storage and distribution of food.
• Maintains an environment that is safe for food and food preparation.
• Effectively addresses unforeseen crises associated with feeding large groups of children.
• Maintains accurate records that include food temperature and food audit counts.
• Attends in-services and workshops as directed.
• Follows all safety rules and regulations and uses prescribed personal protective equipment.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Continuously improves processes.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Criminal background check conducted as per WV Code.
• Demonstrated competency as required by state-approved competency test.
• Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Ability to set and maintain a work pace that will produce meals on time and adequate clean up.
• Ability to present information and respond to questions from administrators, students, staff and general public.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to interface effectively with other departments, school personnel, students, maintenance staff and contacts from outside the county.
• Ability to locate and comply with ingredient requirements.
• Ability to organize and plan the location of kitchen equipment.
• Ability to perform work requiring significant standing.
• Ability to read labels and safety warnings on cleaning agents and hazardous materials.

Nice-to-haves

• Background in institutional or commercial food service.

Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience and education level.
• Annual performance evaluation by the building principal/immediate supervisor.