Cook - Middletown School Nutrition

Whitsons Culinary Group•Middletown, NJ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cook prepares a variety of meals according to school menus, ensuring food is safely cooked, carefully presented, and served on time. The role supports special dietary needs and food allergy safety procedures, maintains a clean and organized kitchen, and works cooperatively with the Chef Manager and other food service team members. The position is full-time and non-exempt, with days and hours aligned to the school district’s food service schedule. It is primarily site-based; occasional travel to other school locations within the district may be required for substitute coverage or operational support. Occasional extended hours may be required for special events or operational needs. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, at least one year of professional culinary or food service experience, and ServSafe certification (or the ability to obtain it within a defined timeframe after hire). Local food safety certification is required where applicable. School nutrition or institutional food service experience is preferred. Whitsons and government-required training must be completed as necessary. The Cook works primarily in a kitchen and food service production environment, with moderate to loud noise during meal service. The work involves standing for most of the day, frequently walking, talking, and hearing, handling food and equipment, and reaching. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side, and work around hot and cold temperatures, ovens, freezers, and storerooms. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 1 year of professional culinary or food service experience.
ServSafe certification, or ability to obtain it within a defined timeframe upon hire.
Local food safety certification in any jurisdiction of employment.
Proficiency in recipe procedures and cooking techniques.
Ability to speak and read English sufficiently to understand and perform job assignments, follow recipes, and comply with safety requirements.
Commitment to cleanliness and food safety, including adherence to HACCP and sanitation standards.
Dependable, positive, and professional attitude; ability to work effectively as part of a food service team in a fast-paced kitchen.
Ability to stand for most of the workday; frequently walk, talk, and hear; handle food, tools, and equipment; and reach with hands and arms.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side.
Ability to work around hot and cold temperatures and move regularly in and out of storerooms and near ovens and freezers.
Ability to complete Whitsons and government-required training as necessary.

Nice To Haves

School nutrition or institutional food service experience.
Genuine interest in school nutrition and student health.

Responsibilities

Cook and prepare meals according to school menus, including batch cooking and following recipes.
Ensure meals meet food safety, portioning, presentation, and nutritional compliance standards.
Follow HACCP, ServSafe, and applicable food safety and sanitation standards; complete temperature logs and production records accurately and on time.
Sequence and time cooking operations to meet meal service deadlines.
Maintain clean, organized, stocked, and properly maintained kitchen stations and workspaces.
Support special dietary needs and food allergy safety procedures.
Work with the Chef Manager and fellow food service workers to serve meals in a timely, friendly manner and meet daily service goals.
Maintain a welcoming, clean, and visually appealing service station and contribute to student satisfaction.
Follow Whitsons policies, production standards, and assigned schedules.
Travel occasionally to other school locations within the district for substitute coverage or operational support.