Job Description: Cook (FT; Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 2pm)

Definition:

Prepares meals (breakfast, lunch and snacks) for Early Childhood Education Center, following State of Oregon and the USDA program guidelines.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED. A certificate from an accredited college, technical or vocational school for completion of a course of study in professional cooking, food service/dietary management, culinary arts or a closely related area preferred.
• Minimum 1 year experience in either commercial kitchen and/or childcare setting (in-home childcare is not accepted).
• Some knowledge of USDA program and nutritional requirements preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles, tools and techniques of food service management, including planning and purchasing.
• Knowledge of general principles of menu planning, modification of recipes, preparation of foods.
• Knowledge of inventory control procedures, procurement and storing of food items and supplies.
• Knowledge of the practices, methods and procedures of volume food preparations: food values, characteristics and nutrition; personal hygiene, food handling, sanitation and safety precautions.
• Ability to lift/unload food and supplies up to 50lbs.
• Ability to operate kitchen equipment safely.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This position is responsible for the day-to- day operation of the childcare center's kitchen with general directions. The general directions are defined by established procedures while setting priorities.

Examples of Job Duties:

1. Establish menus in cooperation with site director or designated person.
2. Prepare meals for students; infants through preschool.
3. Serve meals or designated staff will serve.
4. Clean and maintain utensils necessary to prepare meals.
5. Clean and maintain area where meals are placed.
6. Prepare food orders in cooperation with site director or designated person.
7. Kitchen to be left in superior order at the end of shift.
8. Other duties as assigned related to food service and childcare.

Working Environment & Equipment Used:

The job’s functions requires the following physical demands: occasional lifting (up to 50 pounds), carrying, pushing and/or pulling, possible climbing; some stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; and significant reaching, handling, speaking, writing, hearing and fine finger dexterity; frequent standing, walking, and sitting, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Working in a compact and or shared kitchen where cleanliness and proper storage is vital.

• Must have the ability to apply and obtain a fully active status in the Central Background Registry (CBR) for the State of Oregon's Early Learning Division.
• Current Adult & Pediatric CPR/Fist Aid/AED certification.
• Valid Food Handler's card.
• Minimum 1 year experience cooking in a commercial kitchen and/or for a licensed childcare facility for at least 60-70 people at once.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of working in a kitchen and childcare environments.