Food Service Cook

Hillside Middle School, located at 1941 Alamo Ave in Kalamazoo, MI, is a reputable educational institution committed to fostering a positive learning environment for its students. As part of Kalamazoo Public Schools, one of the leading school districts in Michigan, Hillside Middle School prides itself on providing quality education along with a supportive atmosphere for both students and staff. The school enforces a strong commitment to equity, inclusivity, and community engagement, ensuring that each student has access to the resources and care they need for academic and personal growth. With its experienced faculty and dedicated support staff, Hillside Middle School focuses on developing well-rounded individuals by integrating rigorous academics with extracurricular and community activities.

The role of a Cook at Hillside Middle School is a vital part of the Food Service department, offering part-time employment with a competitive hourly wage ranging from $17.73 to $18.73. This position operates during school hours, specifically from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, making it an ideal opportunity for individuals seeking flexible, daytime work within an educational setting. As a Cook, the incumbent will be responsible for assisting with the preparation and cooking of meal components for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. This includes working alongside the Food Service Manager to maintain high standards of food quality, nutrition, presentation, and safety.

This role demands a strong ability to follow standardized recipes and production schedules, ensuring accurate portion sizes and quantities that meet the needs of a busy school kitchen. The cook must be proficient in handling and operating various commercial kitchen equipment, while strictly adhering to policies laid out by the USDA, Michigan Department of Education, district regulations, and local health departments. Emphasis is placed on sanitation and safety practices, ensuring a clean and hazard-free environment for food preparation and service.

Beyond cooking duties, this role includes critical tasks such as measuring ingredients, preparing a variety of meal components and ala carte items, and assisting with inventory management by contributing to thaw lists and production plans. Communication with the Food Service Manager and other kitchen staff is essential to address any concerns or improvements in kitchen operations.

The ideal candidate must be capable of working under pressure, standing for extended periods, and performing physical activities such as bending, squatting, reaching, and lifting weights up to 40 pounds. Personal hygiene, dependable attendance, and a positive attitude in interactions with students, staff, and administrators are fundamental expectations for this position. Moreover, the candidate must complete mandatory sanitation and safety training provided by the Michigan School Food Service Association and the Michigan Department of Education within two years of hiring.

Working as a Cook at Hillside Middle School offers a unique opportunity to contribute to student wellbeing by supporting the delivery of nutritious, attractive meals in a structured school environment. This role is critical in ensuring that students receive quality meals that support their learning and health each day. Prospects interested in applying are encouraged to pursue this position by visiting the official Kalamazoo Public Schools employment website and submitting an application online. Equal opportunity is provided to all applicants, emphasizing the school district's commitment to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices.