Elementary Receiving Cook

Peoria Unified School District is a dynamic educational institution committed to providing high-quality education and services to students across its districts, including Glendale, Arizona. The district emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment not only for students but also for its employees. Known for prioritizing both personal growth and community engagement, Peoria Unified integrates these values into every facet of its operations, including its food service department. The district’s commitment to health, nutrition, and safety is reflected in its thorough food service programs, ensuring students receive nutritious meals prepared in compliance with all relevant safety standards and regulations. This role is an excellent opportunity to be part of a team that values collaboration and service to the community.

The position of Receiving Kitchen Cook within the Food Service Department offers an engaging, hands-on role focused on supporting the preparation and serving of healthy meals in school cafeterias throughout the district. Reporting directly to the Kitchen Manager, the Receiving Kitchen Cook is responsible for a variety of food service tasks that encompass everything from meal preparation to sanitation and inventory management. This is a 9-month term position classified under salary classification 8, designed for those who are passionate about food service in a school setting and want to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of students. Starting with receiving deliveries, prepping ingredients, cooking entrees and sides, to ensuring cleanliness and safety standards, this role is essential in the smooth operation of school meal services.

Key responsibilities include working closely with kitchen management to plan food quantities, preparing meals according to standardized recipes, serving food to students, and assisting with cashier duties during meal times. The position demands knowledge of food safety regulations, effective customer service, basic math skills for recipe calculations, and the ability to use computer software for recording production details and logging temperatures daily. The Receiving Kitchen Cook also plays an integral role in maintaining kitchen hygiene by cleaning utensils, dining areas, and equipment thoroughly and efficiently after meal service.

Beyond daily cooking and serving duties, the role includes tasks such as inventory rotation, completing monthly supply inventories, and providing backup support to other kitchen staff members to ensure all cafeteria operations run seamlessly. The job may require flexibility in working hours and the capability to lift and carry heavy items, reflecting the physical nature of the tasks. Additionally, candidates must be prepared to obtain and maintain necessary certifications such as the State of Arizona Food Handlers Permit and the Peoria USD Cook Safety Certificate. The position may also involve background checks and fingerprint clearance as part of district employment requirements.

This job is well-suited for individuals who are detail-oriented, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and are committed to promoting a safe, clean, and efficient food service experience for students. The combination of hands-on cooking, customer interactions, and inventory management provides a diverse and rewarding workday. It offers the chance to work in the educational community of Glendale, Arizona, contributing to the vital service that nourishes the student population daily.