MSD COOK II

Columbia, MD, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Tuition Reimbursement

Job Description

The Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) is a highly respected educational institution dedicated to providing an inclusive, language-rich environment for deaf and hard-of-hearing students spanning from birth through age 21. Located at the Columbia Campus in Ellicott City, Maryland, MSD is deeply rooted in a bilingual education approach that emphasizes full access to both American Sign Language (ASL) and English. The school offers comprehensive academic programs alongside vibrant extracurricular and student life activities, all designed to empower its students to think critically and cultivate a strong sense of self and community belonging. Partnering with families and communities, MSD fosters an environment where deaf and hard-of-hearing students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

MSD is currently seeking a dedicated Cook II to join its Dietary Department at the Columbia Campus. This 11-month, school-year position plays a vital role in supporting the nutritional and wellness needs of the campus community by preparing and serving meals that align with the school’s Food Safety Program and Wellness Policy. The position entails preparing a variety of foods requiring both simple and complex culinary techniques, assembling tray lines, serving meals using proper portion sizes, and maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen environment. The Cook II must operate kitchen appliances and equipment safely, apply food handling principles to protect against contamination, and keep accurate records of supplies and meal service. This role often involves training and supervising Dietary Workers or Food Service Assistants, ensuring that all members of the team adhere to standards that uphold the quality and safety of food services.

Candidates for this position should bring at least three years of experience in food preparation in a public or governmental setting such as a hospital, restaurant, or similar institution where cooking meats, vegetables, salads, and beverages is routine. Substitutions for experience can include graduation from an accredited vocational or technical high school with a food service major or related field, or relevant U.S. Armed Forces military service with culinary classifications, on a year-for-year basis. The successful applicant will also be willing to obtain Serve Safe food handler certification and ideally have an interest in learning American Sign Language, reflecting the school's commitment to serving the deaf community.

The Cook II role requires physical stamina, including the ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for extended periods. This position does not work during school holidays or summer months, aligning with the academic calendar. MSD offers a supportive work environment with state of Maryland benefits, and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including bilingual applicants and veterans. The recruitment process includes consideration of education, training, and experience, requiring thorough and timely submission of application materials. The commitment to inclusion, equal opportunity, and community engagement makes MSD an excellent workplace for professionals passionate about contributing to the wellbeing and success of deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Job Requirements

Must be able to lift 50 pounds and stand for extended periods of time
must be willing to become Serve Safe Certified
candidates subject to a criminal background investigation at their own expense
candidates must provide three letters of recommendation

Job Qualifications

Three years of experience in food preparation at a public or governmental establishment such as a restaurant, hospital, or comparable institution involving cooking of meats and vegetables and preparation of salads and beverages
graduation from an accredited vocational or technical high school with a major in food service or related field may substitute up to two years of required experience
U.S. Armed Forces military service experience in culinary classifications or food service specialty codes at a rank of Corporal or Petty Officer or higher may substitute for required experience
willingness to learn American Sign Language
Serve Safe food handler certification preferred

Job Duties

Prepares foods requiring both simple and complex preparation
assembles tray line and serve meals according to established scheduled daily menu using correct portion sizes and techniques
cleans and sanitizes work areas and equipment
prepares food items such as vegetables, salads, meats, and beverages by baking, frying, broiling, steaming, and mixing in accordance with recipes and dietetic guidelines
applies good service principles and methods related to food handling, proper food storage, and temperature control
operates kitchen equipment and appliances such as mixers, cookers, ovens, stoves, toasters, coffee urns, microwaves, and related equipment
cleans and maintains utensils and work area in accordance with applicable safety and sanitary standards
protects equipment, utensils, food, and other items from contamination, spoilage, and pilferage
keeps records of supplies used and number of persons served
may train, assign, and review the work of Dietary Workers or Food Service Assistants in cooking techniques
performs other related duties and provides timely assistance for an efficient food service operation