Cook - Lehigh Valley Meal Center

Whitsons Culinary Group•Allentown, PA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cook prepares and serves nutritious meals for a school food service program according to daily menus, recipes, portion guidelines, and nutritional standards. The role coordinates cooking operations so meals are safe, appealing, and ready on schedule, while supporting kitchen team members and maintaining an efficient, clean, and welcoming environment. Duties include overseeing food orders, inventory, and deliveries; accommodating allergies; following HACCP, ServSafe, and sanitation requirements; and accurately completing production records and temperature logs. This is a full-time, non-exempt, primarily site-based position in a kitchen and food service production environment. Workdays and hours align with the school district’s food service schedule. The role is generally Monday through Friday, with no regular nights, weekends, or holidays; occasional extended hours may be needed for special events or operational needs. Occasional travel to other school locations within the district may be required for substitute coverage or operational support. The position offers paid training, advancement opportunities, and the opportunity to contribute to student health and well-being.

Requirements

At least 1 year of professional culinary or food service experience.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Proficiency in cooking techniques, batch cooking, recipe procedures, and recipe execution.
ServSafe certification, or willingness to obtain it within a defined timeframe upon hire.
Local food safety certification in the jurisdiction of employment.
English speaking and reading ability sufficient to understand and perform job assignments, follow recipes, and comply with safety requirements.
Strong organization and time-management skills.
Ability to lead or support a kitchen team positively and collaboratively in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Ability to follow food safety and sanitation standards and accurately complete temperature logs and production records.
Ability to meet meal service deadlines and follow assigned schedules reliably.
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 in hot and cold conditions and around cooking and refrigeration equipment.

Nice To Haves

School nutrition experience.
Institutional food service experience.
Nassau County Board of Health Certification.
Genuine interest in school nutrition and student health.

Responsibilities

Prepare and serve meals according to daily school menus, recipes, and portion guidelines.
Organize cooking operations to ensure food is safely prepared, attractively presented, and ready on time.
Support and guide kitchen team members in maintaining a clean, efficient, and friendly work environment.
Oversee food orders, inventory, and deliveries.
Follow food safety, HACCP, sanitation, and allergy-accommodation requirements.
Complete production sheets, temperature logs, and other required records accurately and on time.
Manage the timing and sequencing of cooking operations to meet meal service deadlines.
Maintain stocked, clean, and properly set up stations, including signage and documentation.
Work cooperatively with the Chef Manager and fellow food service workers to meet daily service goals.
Maintain a welcoming and visually appealing service station and take pride in meal quality and presentation.
Follow Whitsons policies, production standards, and assigned schedules.
Travel occasionally to other school locations within the district for substitute coverage or operational support.