COOK - 4 POSITIONS AVAILABLE, MARYVALE/CAMELBACK/CACTUS CANYON/NORTH 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

The Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) is a renowned public school district located in Arizona's capital city. Serving a diverse population of approximately 24,000 students and employing over 3,400 education professionals, PXU stands out as one of the largest school districts in the state. With a wide array of educational offerings including comprehensive high schools, small specialty schools, magnet programs, micro schools, support schools, and extensive Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, PXU creates an inclusive environment dedicated to inspiring and empowering students. Its mission is to cultivate an educational atmosphere where all students feel welcomed, loved, and inspired to pursue meaningful and impactful futures. PXU is committed to providing a thriving learning and working environment for both students and staff alike, promoting excellence in education and professional growth. The district is also an equal opportunity employer, fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or immigration status.

This job opening is for the position of Cook within the Food Services department of the Phoenix Union High School District. This is a classified position under the Education Support Professional salary schedule, designated as Grade 3, with a 10-month work year. The starting hourly wage ranges from $17.84 to $18.64, with placement depending on the applicant's prior similar experience and educational background. The Cook plays a pivotal role in preparing and serving healthy, nutritious meals to students, staff, and teachers in alignment with the National School Lunch Program guidelines and other food safety requirements. The ideal candidate will demonstrate essential culinary skills and operational expertise to ensure quality meal preparation within a commercial kitchen setting in one of PXU's assigned schools.

The Cook will be responsible for preparing ingredients and cooking breakfast and lunch menu items that meet nutritional standards. They will oversee the work of part-time cafeteria workers by assigning and supervising their tasks. Maintaining accurate food and supply inventory is critical, and the Cook reviews and assists in monitoring inventory to guarantee the availability of necessary ingredients for upcoming meals. Food safety is a top priority; therefore, the Cook must routinely check and record refrigerator and freezer temperatures, monitor the temperature of prepared dishes, and comply with sanitation standards. Documentation responsibilities include completing and adjusting production worksheets, noting unserved food amounts and the number of students served.

The Cook will also set up and monitor service lines for breakfast and lunch, ensuring smooth operations. Dishwashing, cleaning of appliances, work surfaces, and utensils, as well as the proper storage of food, are part of the daily routine. In the absence of the Cafeteria Manager, the Cook will direct and supervise kitchen operations, showcasing strong leadership and decision-making capabilities. Additionally, the role demands maintaining professionalism and courtesy when interacting with students, parents, visitors, and staff, and safeguarding the confidentiality of sensitive information concerning the district and its stakeholders. The Cook must adhere to all governing board policies and perform any additional related duties as assigned to support the overall success of the Food Services department.

The work environment includes exposure to commercial kitchen conditions, with varying temperatures, the use of potentially hazardous equipment and chemicals, and the requirement to handle objects weighing up to 40 pounds. This physical demand requires stamina and attentiveness to safety protocols.

Ideal candidates possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent combined with at least six months of experience working in the food service industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Licenses required include a Maricopa County Food Handler's Card at the time of hire as well as the ability to obtain a ServSafe Certificate and a valid Arizona Department of Public Safety IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card within 90 days of employment. The candidate should demonstrate skills such as operating commercial kitchen equipment, understanding culinary and sanitation standards, identifying safety hazards, following detailed instructions, communicating effectively, and fostering positive relationships within the school environment. By joining PXU, the selected Cook will be part of an organization committed to employee success and well-being, reflected through competitive pay, a robust benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth. This role is essential for ensuring the delivery of nutritious meals, contributing to the academic success and health of thousands of students throughout the district.