Food Service Lead Cook - Quick Hire!

Zeeland Public Schools is a reputable educational district committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for students and staff alike. Known for its dedication to quality education and community involvement, Zeeland Public Schools continually strives to provide services that support academic success and overall student well-being. Among the key services offered by the district is the food service program, which plays a vital role in ensuring students receive nutritious and appetizing meals to support their learning and growth. The district is currently seeking a part-time Food Service Lead Cook to join its dedicated team. This role is designed for a professional who is passionate about food preparation, nutrition, and team management within an educational setting. The position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $17.57 to $19.36, reflecting the level of expertise and responsibility required. Working Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 2 PM, the Food Service Lead Cook will play a crucial role in managing food production to meet the nutritional guidelines stipulated by the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The Food Service Lead Cook acts as a key assistant to the Director of Food Service, ensuring that the preparation and presentation of meals are safe, nutritious, and appealing to students and staff. This role involves overseeing the preparation of all school meals including breakfast, lunch, and special event catering. A significant responsibility includes developing and creating menu options in a cost-effective manner while maintaining adherence to federal nutrition standards. Moreover, the Lead Cook is expected to utilize computer systems for production management, inventory control, record-keeping, and placing necessary orders efficiently. Successful candidates will benefit from an environment that supports professional growth and the opportunity to make a positive impact on student health and satisfaction. The role also involves supervising and training food service staff to maintain high standards of food safety and quality. The Lead Cook will monitor kitchen equipment functionality, address malfunctions, and participate actively in monthly meetings to stay aligned with district policies and initiatives. This position is ideal for someone with a solid background in culinary training and institutional cooking experience, combined with the ability to manage time and resources effectively. The candidate must maintain ServSafe Certification and demonstrate the physical ability to handle kitchen tasks such as lifting pans and food cases. Effective communication skills are also essential, as the role requires interaction with students, staff, and community members while maintaining a professional and collaborative environment. Overall, the Food Service Lead Cook position at Zeeland Public Schools offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the health and well-being of students through dedicated service and culinary expertise within a supportive school district community.

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum two years of culinary training and institutional cooking experience
• Ability to lift and move pans and cases weighing up to 55 pounds
• Maintains ServSafe Certification
• Ability to organize work efficiently
• Strong communication skills
• Proficiency with computer use
• Ability to interact professionally with students, staff, and community members