Cook II - Pflaum - 1.0 FTE - 26-27 SY

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), located in Wisconsin, is the second-largest school district in the state. MMSD serves a diverse population of more than 25,000 students, with over half being students of color and nearly one-third being English Language Learners. The district is committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist, and culturally responsive environment that supports both students and staff throughout its various schools. MMSD's vision is bold and clear: to ensure every school is thriving and prepares every student for college, career, and community success. The district emphasizes a culture of continuous improvement and supports its employees by providing a challenging yet rewarding work environment, encouraging professional growth, and fostering a workforce representative of its student community. Working within MMSD means engaging with a dynamic and diverse workplace that values collaboration, cultural competence, and equity for all.

The Cook II position at Pflaum Road Building, within MMSD's Food Services department, is a full-time role offering a starting wage of $27.15 per hour, categorized under the 26-27 salary schedule. The employment type is non-exempt with work hours from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, aligned with the district’s 10-month academic calendar from September through June, with summers off. This role offers stability, a competitive hourly wage, and a rewarding opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the district’s food service operations.

The Cook II position is an essential role responsible for ensuring the preparation, cooking, and baking of school meals adhere to standardized recipes and production guidelines while maintaining strict food safety standards. This role supports the preparation of breakfast, lunch, after-school snacks, and dinner for students across all grade levels, reflecting the district's commitment to providing nutritious and appealing meals consistent with USDA requirements. The Cook II works under the direction of the Chef Manager and assists in overseeing and supporting Cook I staff, ensuring high-quality food production and operational efficiency. The role requires hands-on participation in daily food production activities, including cooking, baking, portioning, and maintaining sanitation and food safety protocols according to HACCP and regulatory standards.

The position demands a strong commitment to inclusivity, cultural competence, and a positive work culture, embracing the district’s anti-racist and equity-focused goals. Responsibilities include assisting with recipe development, maintaining production records, ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation protocols, and handling inventory tasks. Although the role does not have formal supervisory responsibilities, the Cook II must be capable of stepping in as Lead Cook during absences and supporting the team effectively.

Candidates for this position should have at least two years of experience in food preparation, menu planning, and food service within high-volume institutional settings, ideally with some leadership experience overseeing multiple employees. The role requires someone who can work independently while collaborating with diverse teams and maintaining professionalism under pressure. Physical requirements include the ability to stand and walk for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and safely operate large kitchen equipment. The Cook II must also be committed to ongoing professional development, food safety certifications, and active participation in district initiatives supporting diversity and inclusion. This role offers an excellent career opportunity to be part of a dedicated team focused on nutritional excellence and community impact within one of Wisconsin’s largest and most diverse school districts.