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Food Services Tier 1 Lead Cook (full-time)

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
Hourly
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Compensation

Hourly
Exact $20.89
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional development opportunities

Job Description

Nashua High School South is a prominent educational institution located in Nashua, dedicated to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for students and staff. The school is part of the Nashua School District, which is committed to providing quality education and comprehensive support services that meet the diverse needs of its community. With a focus on excellence and inclusivity, the district ensures adherence to all applicable state and federal regulations, emphasizing nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all individuals.

The Food Service Lead Cook position at Nashua High School South offers an essential role within the school’s food service program for the 2026-2027 school year. This role focuses on ensuring the effective preparation and service of meals to students and staff, supporting the school’s commitment to health, safety, and nutrition standards. The Lead Cook is entrusted with overseeing daily kitchen operations, guiding food service assistants, and maintaining rigorous standards of food safety and quality.

This position is full-time during the school year, requiring a commitment of seven hours per day, with a salary that begins at a minimum of $20.89 per hour, dependent on experience and/or certification from the School Nutrition Association (SNA). The remuneration reflects the importance of qualified professionals in the school nutrition field, rewarding expertise and proven ability in quantity cookery and child nutrition environments.

The role of Food Service Lead Cook is multifaceted. The incumbent is responsible not only for food preparation but also for overseeing kitchen safety practices, directing staff duties, and maintaining the cleanliness and proper operation of kitchen equipment. The Lead Cook works collaboratively with the site coordinator, assisting with inventory management, record keeping, menu development, and catering for special school events. The position requires strong leadership skills to orient and train new food service personnel, ensuring compliance with USDA standards and other regulatory guidelines.

Physical demands are an important consideration for this role. Candidates must be capable of walking, bending, standing for extended periods, and lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds, which reflects the active, hands-on nature of the job. Good communication skills, both verbal and written, are also valued, facilitating effective interaction within the team and with school administration.

By joining Nashua High School South as a Food Service Lead Cook, professionals contribute to a vital aspect of the school environment—providing nutritious meals that support student success and well-being. This role offers a stable work environment in a respected school district, alongside opportunities to develop culinary and leadership skills within a dynamic and purpose-driven setting.

Job Requirements

  • Prior experience in quantity cookery
  • prior experience in child nutrition programs
  • physically capable of walking, bending, standing for long periods
  • capable of lifting and carrying objects weighing a minimum of 50 pounds
  • knowledge of local, state and federal school meal statutes
  • understanding of kitchen equipment operation and care
  • comprehension of health and food safety regulations
  • good verbal and written communication skills
  • computer literacy is desirable

Job Qualifications

  • Prior experience in quantity cookery and/or child nutrition programs
  • knowledge of local, state, and federal meal requirements
  • familiarity with kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
  • understanding of health and food safety regulations
  • ability to walk, bend, stand for long periods
  • capable of lifting 50 pounds
  • good verbal and written communication skills
  • computer literacy is desirable
  • SNA certification preferred

Job Duties

  • Ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of daily meal preparation and service
  • implement current safety and health practices
  • report discrepancies to site coordinator
  • operate and maintain kitchen equipment
  • direct efforts of food service assistants
  • oversee workstation setup and service
  • supervise daily cleanup of food service areas and equipment
  • assist site coordinator with record keeping and work schedules
  • make operational decisions in the absence of the site coordinator
  • orient and train new food service assistants
  • advise on staffing needs during regular employee absences
  • assist with compliance to USDA standards and reporting
  • monitor food and supply inventories and communicate order needs
  • assist with menu development and special function catering
  • perform other food service related duties as necessary

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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