Panama-Buena Vista Union School District logo

Cook Baker ( 2026-27 School Year)

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Hourly
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $19.53 - $24.01
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
Day Shifts
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Benefits

Paid holidays
sick leave
vacation benefits
Dental Insurance
Medical insurance
Vision Insurance
Life insurance

Job Description

This position is offered by a reputable educational institution dedicated to providing nutritious and balanced meals to students across various school sites and satellite kitchens. The institution prioritizes health, safety, and service quality in all food preparation and distribution activities, ensuring compliance with district and county health regulations. Established as a part of the education sector, the institution not only focuses on academic success but also emphasizes the well-being of its students through proper nutrition. The schools operate full-service cafeterias and distribute meals to classrooms and other locations, contributing to a conducive learning environment by addressing students' dietary needs effectively.

The role available is that of a Nutrition/Cook Baker, a vital position within the food service operations at the school district. The job involves preparing, portioning, packaging, serving, and cleaning activities related to food service at the school or satellite kitchens. It also involves responsibilities such as operating commercial kitchen equipment, handling food according to strict safety standards, and managing point of sale customer interactions. This position plays a crucial role in supporting the full-service food sites and remote locations by ensuring the high quality and timely delivery of meals. The Nutrition/Cook Baker must also participate in inventory control, food safety compliance, and occasional training of food service staff, thereby supporting the efficiency and smooth running of the kitchen operations.

This is a full-time, five-day workweek position (Monday through Friday) with eight-hour shifts. The pay range is competitive, from $19.53 to $24.01 per hour across eight steps, reflecting experience and length of service. The position offers numerous benefits, including paid holidays, sick leave, vacation benefits, and comprehensive prepaid insurance plans covering dental, medical, and vision, along with life insurance for the employee, prorated according to hours worked.

Specific duties include preparing a variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, main dishes, baked goods, and desserts according to standardized recipes and menus. The Nutrition/Cook Baker is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of equipment and work areas, ensuring food safety as defined by HACCP and local health regulations. The role demands working knowledge of quantity food preparation, proper food handling, storage and kitchen safety protocols. Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with custodial and maintenance staff ensure the kitchen's optimal functioning.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, ServSafe Certification, and at least one year of experience in institutional cooking within an educational or equivalent environment. The ideal candidate is customer-service oriented, capable of using computer point of sale systems, and has the flexibility to work various shifts and locations as needed. Attending district-mandated meetings and training is also part of the job. Furthermore, candidates with a letter of recommendation have an added advantage. The Nutrition/Cook Baker may be called upon to substitute for the cafeteria manager when needed, emphasizing the necessity for leadership skills and a dependable work ethic.

Overall, this role is integral to delivering nutritious, appealing, and safely prepared meals to students, enhancing their educational experience and supporting the district's commitment to health and wellness.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED
  • ServSafe Certification
  • One year experience in institutional cooking in an education or equivalent setting
  • Ability to perform essential duties
  • Ability to sequence food preparation activities
  • Ability to understand, interpret and follow oral and written instructions
  • Ability to work varying shifts and locations
  • Ability to read, write and speak English

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED
  • ServSafe Certification
  • One year experience in institutional cooking in an education or equivalent setting
  • Knowledge of institutional quantity food preparation, methods, procedures and service
  • Knowledge of food storage and sanitation procedures
  • Knowledge of kitchen safety and safe work procedures
  • Basic knowledge of food production and service line processes
  • Sufficient arithmetic skills to compute weights, measures, counts and portions
  • Sufficient reading skills to interpret menus, ingredient lists, standardized recipes and preparation instructions
  • Sufficient human relations skill to exhibit positive customer service and work as a productive team member
  • Ability to perform essential duties
  • Ability to sequence food preparation activities
  • Ability to understand, interpret and follow oral and written instructions
  • Ability to interpret menus and ingredient lists
  • Ability to work varying shifts and locations
  • Ability to read, write and speak English

Job Duties

  • Prepares, assembles, counts, cleans, slices, cuts, or otherwise portions food items such as fruits, vegetables, frozen and cooked items, prepares fruits and vegetables for salad bars
  • Cooks, bakes, and assists in all food preparation such as main dishes, sandwiches, salads, salad bars, baked goods, desserts and other foods
  • Serves food items according to specified portions, pre-determined menus and standardized recipes, inspects and/or tastes prepared foods to determine quality, appearance, and taste
  • Sets up and operates commercial food processor, mixer and slicing machines, cleans, sanitizes, and arranges machine components
  • Sets up serving counter, arranges café service lines and individually packaged food items for easy student selection
  • Serves as a point-of-sale cashier, accepts money and enters data into a computerized program
  • Records food temperatures at required intervals during food preparation process
  • Assists in monitoring receipt, storage, rotation, and preparation of perishable food items following HACCP and health regulations
  • Cleans, washes and sanitizes kitchen equipment and surfaces, sweeps floors, maintains a safe work environment
  • Assists with inventory counting and ordering food items and supplies
  • Assists in training food service staff and student assistants
  • Works with custodial and maintenance staff to ensure kitchen and equipment efficiency
  • May substitute for cafeteria manager when necessary
  • Attends required meetings and trainings
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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