Lead Cook

Deer Park School District•Deer Park, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head Cook oversees the daily preparation and service of nutritious meals in Deer Park School District’s food service program, following federal, state, and local guidelines. The role maintains food quality, safety, and sanitation standards while coordinating kitchen staff, inventory, supplies, and meal preparation. The Head Cook works with food service directors, school administrators, and third-party management companies to order food and follow USDA guidelines, supporting students’ academic success and well-being through balanced meals. This position is based at Deer Park Elementary during a 180-day school year. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The position is benefits eligible and eligible for retirement. The 2026–27 base salary range is $19.72 to $24.90 per hour, with placement determined by school district experience.

Requirements

Food Handler’s permit or ability to obtain one before the start date.
High school graduate or equivalent.
Knowledge of basic food-handling techniques and safe work practices.
Ability to use basic kitchen tools and equipment.
Knowledge of and support for sanitation standards for personal hygiene, food handling and preparation, kitchen equipment, and cafeteria areas.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work and communicate with students, staff, and the third-party management company.
Ability to follow oral and written directions.
Demonstrated ability to approach issues positively and proactively.
Ability to meet the physical demands described, including lifting and carrying, standing, bending, twisting, kneeling, pushing or pulling, and walking.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a school or commercial kitchen is strongly preferred.
Formal cooking training is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare food within the established production system according to provided menus and recipes.
Follow procedures for accurately checking and shipping meal components to satellite locations when needed.
Stock, portion, and serve food neatly and hygienically.
Report food quality or recipe design issues to the manager.
Follow established preparation and service methods and food-handling techniques.
Follow USDA requirements and report compliance concerns to the manager.
Wash dishes, utensils, pots, and pans and operate a dishwasher as needed.
Maintain OSPI and HACCP records.
Prepare food and milk orders and maintain supplies for assigned meals.
Complete required monthly inventory.
Monitor kitchen operations and report issues to the principal and/or manager.
Maintain a positive, motivating, and caring attitude toward students and supervise students assigned to the office.
Work cooperatively within kitchen, department, and school teams.