Cook/Baker - OMS

Owensboro Public Schools•Owensboro, KY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cook/Baker contributes to the safe and efficient operation of a school cafeteria, supporting the health, comfort, and benefit of students. The role prepares, cooks, bakes, and serves food in quantity; maintains food quality and nutrition standards; and keeps facilities, equipment, and food storage areas clean and sanitary. The employee may work districtwide in any OPS cafeteria and may travel between locations as needed. The position requires flexible hours ranging from 5:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is scheduled for 182 days per year. The position operates standard school-kitchen equipment and may handle cashiering, point-of-sale transactions, routine records, inventory, and food sales. It may include training or providing work direction to others as directed by a manager or assistant manager, as well as assisting with catering and special events. The employee must complete onboarding and on-the-job training deemed necessary by school food service personnel and perform other duties as assigned. Location assignments and duties may change to meet district needs. Contracts are with Owensboro Public Schools, not individual locations. The work takes place in indoor and outdoor environments, including regular entry into walk-in freezers and refrigerators. The employee may work with or near the public, parents, and children and be exposed to heat, cold, sounds, scents, and related environmental factors. Physical demands include lifting, pulling, or pushing up to 50 pounds; standing for long periods; hand and finger dexterity; repetitive movements; and walking and bending throughout the workday. The role is classified as nonexempt. Pay is $14.14–$17.16 per hour, contingent on verified experience, under the classified salary schedule and benefits package. Performance is evaluated under the Board’s Classified Evaluation Plan by the Cafeteria Manager, with input from the Assistant Manager, Food Service Director, and Building Principal. The employee must act in accordance with Owensboro Board of Education bylaws and policies, applicable Kentucky statutes and regulations, and federal laws and regulations, and demonstrate dedication to the purposes and goals of Owensboro Public Schools.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED certificate, or demonstrated progress toward obtaining a GED as required by Kentucky law.
Ability to perform basic math skills.
Positive attitude toward students and staff.
Knowledge of quantity food-service preparation, serving, and storage methods.
Basic computer skills, including using a mouse and keyboard to navigate a computer, email, and websites, and operating a point-of-sale system.
Knowledge of methods for preparing and serving food in large quantities, adjusting and extending recipes, and making proper substitutions.
Knowledge of proper storage methods for equipment, materials, and supplies; standard kitchen equipment, utensils, and measurements; health and safety regulations; basic record-keeping; and basic math and cashiering.
Knowledge of HACCP/SOP procedures, including sanitation practices related to food handling and service.
Ability to prepare, cook, bake, and serve food in quantity in a school cafeteria and in accordance with health and sanitation regulations.
Ability to operate and maintain standard machines and equipment found in school cafeterias and kitchens.
Ability to prepare attractive, appetizing, and nutritious meals for students and staff; understand reimbursable meal requirements; and monitor student trays for compliance.
Ability to lift, bend, reach, and stand; follow, adjust, and extend recipes; follow oral and written directions; and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain routine records, meet schedules and timelines, organize work, make changes accurately, and read and write at the level required for job performance.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships and observe and follow health and safety regulations.
Ability to work flexible hours ranging from 5:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and districtwide in any OPS cafeteria.
Ability and flexibility to travel between multiple locations as needed.
Ability to complete onboarding and on-the-job training deemed necessary by school food service personnel.
One year of experience cooking and baking food in large quantities is preferred.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience cooking and baking food in large quantities.

Responsibilities

Prepare, cook, bake, and serve a variety of foods in quantity at an assigned school cafeteria, and assist with other food preparation duties as directed.
Prepare baked goods and combine the necessary ingredients; prepare and cook meats, vegetables, main dishes, salads, sandwiches, fruit, soups, sauces, and other foods.
Assist in determining food quantities; adjust and extend recipes as needed; and maintain food appearance, quality, and nutritional standards.
Monitor food and water temperatures to ensure safety, quality, and proper sanitizing temperatures.
Serve food according to established guidelines, replenish serving containers, and serve and sell lunch items to faculty.
Clean cafeteria equipment, utensils, and appliances; store food supplies; clean refrigerators and storerooms as required; and follow sanitation and safety procedures.
Store unused food and supplies appropriately, dispose of unusable leftovers, and use proper food-handling methods for items being stored.
Operate standard kitchen utensils and equipment, including choppers, mixers, steamers, electric warmers, ranges, ovens, cash registers, and dishwashers.
Train and provide work direction to others as directed by the Manager or Assistant Manager.
Record food sold and monies collected as assigned; assist with inventory; maintain routine records; and prepare records of food cooked and leftovers.
Prepare and bake food for special events and assist with catering or special events as required.
Maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance during scheduled work hours; work flexible hours and assist in other food service areas as needed.
Collect money and make correct change.
Travel between multiple locations and work districtwide in OPS cafeterias as needed to meet departmental demands.
Participate in and successfully complete planned training programs, including required onboarding and on-the-job training.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with applicable Board policies, laws, and regulations.