Catering Cook

Kalamazoo Public Schools is a well-established educational district located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, committed to providing quality education and support services to its community. Known for its dedication to student success and community engagement, the district maintains high standards in every aspect of their operations, including food service. Kalamazoo Public Schools prioritizes the well-being of its students and staff by ensuring access to nutritious and well-prepared meals through its food service operations. The district's food service department plays a critical role in supporting the health and academic performance of students by offering well-balanced meals that meet USDA and Michigan Department of Education guidelines. The food service team emphasizes safety, sanitation, and quality in meal preparation and service, thereby fostering a welcoming and efficient school dining experience.

The role of Catering Cook within Kalamazoo Public Schools is a full-time position located at 1220 Howard St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. This position offers an hourly wage of $17.73, reflecting the significance of the role and the commitment to fair employee compensation. The Catering Cook works closely with the Catering Manager and Food Service Manager to prepare hot foods and baked goods for school meals, including contributions to the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. The individual in this role is responsible for meal production planning, food preparation, and ensuring adherence to portion control and food safety standards. They are tasked with expanding standardized recipes to the correct number of servings, preparing various meal components, and operating commercial kitchen equipment efficiently and safely.

A successful Catering Cook will be deeply involved in maintaining compliance with USDA, Michigan Department of Education, District rules, and health department regulations. This includes strict observance of sanitation and safety practices in food handling, storage, and kitchen cleanliness. The role demands effective communication skills to liaise with management regarding kitchen policies and procedures, as well as fostering student and staff satisfaction by presenting meals attractively and ensuring high-quality food standards. This position is fast-paced and requires the ability to work under pressure while standing, bending, and lifting as part of routine kitchen activities. The Catering Cook’s responsibilities also stretch to safety monitoring, emergency first aid administration, and helping to maintain a professional and positive work environment.

This opportunity is ideal for individuals who have a passion for food service and nutrition within an educational environment, enjoy working collaboratively in a team setting, and are committed to upholding the highest levels of kitchen safety and sanitation. Kalamazoo Public Schools values reliability, promptness, good hygiene, and positive interpersonal skills. The position provides a meaningful way to contribute to the health and well-being of students, supporting their ability to learn and grow through access to nutritious meals. This role is posted until filled, encouraging qualified candidates dedicated to making a difference in school food service to apply online at www.kpsjobs.com.