2026-27 Cook (5:30am-1:30pm) - River Ridge High School

North Thurston Public Schools • Lacey, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Participates in the operation and preparation of food in a kitchen/cafeteria. Serves as a main/side dish cook, baker, and dessert cook. Prepares food according to standardized recipes and specified quantities. Follows nutritional guidelines as established by the district and as recommended by professional associations. The District represents a diverse community. More than 50% of our students arrive with diverse backgrounds. We seek an individual who has successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities. The selected candidate must demonstrate a commitment to strengthening community engagement and communication with the District’s diverse populations.

Requirements

• Incumbents must have successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities, or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to strengthening engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with a diverse population.
• Knowledge of Child Nutrition guidelines as established by USDA.
• Experience in food preparation to include cooking and baking which included acquiring and applying nutritional knowledge.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and maintain good working relations with other employees, students, community representatives, and school staff.
• Initiative and ability to work with minimal direction; sound judgment and decision making capabilities are essential.
• Ability to work under pressure, be flexible and manage program emergencies.
• Ability to make mathematical calculations necessary for effective food preparation.
• Ability to read and comprehend in English recipes and directions for equipment usage.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Food Handler Permit and pass a criminal justice and fingerprint clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• American School Food Service of America (ASFSA) Certification.
• Four or more years of experience in a school environment involving preparation and service of large and varied number of meals and food products in a condensed period of time.
• First Aid training/CPR.
• Bilingual skills.

Responsibilities

• Reads menus, recipes and directions for numbers of meals to be served.
• Oversees the preparation of meals which includes recipe/menu planning, serving amounts, proper temperature and student meal service schedules.
• Calculates amount, measures, and mixes ingredients for number of servings.
• Computes time to be used in preparing and finishing food products so that they are prepared, at the appropriate temperature, and ready to consume according to the student meal service schedules.
• Arranges and protects food products so that they are retained at the safety sanitary, and quality level.
• Comply with state and county health codes by maintaining.
• May direct the work of cook helpers or other cooks as appropriate.
• Assists in food service to students including providing appropriate serving and arrangement.
• May assist in verifying student meal eligibility and/or collecting school funds.
• Maintains a safe and sanitary work environment by assisting in the cleaning of cooking surfaces, all utensils, pots, pans, trays.
• Performs such cleaning of spills and cooking products as necessary to maintain a safe cooking environment.
• Assists in cleaning and maintaining equipment and notifying kitchen/cafeteria manager of equipment service, repair, and maintenance needs.
• Supervise personnel and coordinate extra work which may include catering, after school functions, summer meals.
• Maintains awareness of energy conservation and make suggestions of methods and procedures to consider energy.
• Oversees and maintains department records and inventory of cooking supplies and materials.
• Oversee the process of cash reconciliation and related record keeping and bank deposits by following the appropriate procedures.
• Secure equipment and supplies to protect against pilferage, loss, theft, or abuse.
• Maintains awareness of facility and equipment to detect and report any facility and equipment needs to supervisor to prevent injuries or damage.
• Prepare orders based on inventory.
• Receives food and supplies checking against invoices, orders or requisitions.
• Make sure product quality meets HACCP guidelines.
• Maintain current knowledge of a quality food program by attending relevant training, classes and workshops.
• Oversees/maintains required department records, i.e, menu planning sheets, standardized recipes, time sheets, etc.
• Provide feedback regarding staff evaluations.
• Required to follow Board policies and stay abreast of updates and changes.
• Performs other duties as assigned by administrator and/or designee.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, long term disability and basic life insurance benefits
• Washington State Healthcare Authority under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB)
• Washington State Department of Retirement Systems Plan
• tax deferred 403(b) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plans (DCP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED