School Cook I, II - Kalihi Elementary

The Hawaii State Department of Education is a government organization dedicated to providing quality educational services to students across the state. It operates numerous schools with a commitment to fostering a nurturing and safe learning environment. Among its vital support roles is the food service department, which ensures that students receive nutritious and timely meals that meet dietary standards and contribute to their overall well-being and academic success. The Department emphasizes diversity, inclusion, equal opportunity employment, and compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Working for the Hawaii State Department of Education means being part of a community-focused team that values educational success and student health through comprehensive support services, including well-managed food service programs.

This particular position is for School Cook II, with applications also being accepted for School Cook I in case of recruiting difficulties. The salary range for School Cook I starts at $4,849.00 per month, while School Cook II is offered $5,246.00 per month. The role is full-time, with benefits and salary based on a standard 40-hour workweek and includes differentials for shortage and school year as applicable.

As a School Cook II, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and preparing meals in a school environment under the guidance of the School Food Services Manager. This role demands proficiency in quantity cooking, following standardized recipes, food safety and sanitation practices, and effective team coordination with other food service employees to ensure timely meal service. The duties also include monitoring food production records, adjusting recipes and cooking times as needed, and ensuring compliance with dietary requirements, including meals for students with special needs. This position also involves managing inventory, labeling and storing leftovers appropriately, maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of work and serving areas, and supervising cafeteria helpers and staff involved in food service operations. Participation in staff meetings, workshops, and USDA-mandated training is required to maintain skill currency.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum education of high school graduation or equivalent and possess relevant hands-on experience in quantity cooking gained in environments such as schools, hospitals, hotels, or institutions. Specialized experience should demonstrate knowledge of ingredient properties, standardized recipe preparation, safe food handling, and sanitation practices, alongside the capability to estimate preparation and cooking times to meet scheduled meal service times. Experience limited to simple cooking tasks like fry-cooking or only serving and cleaning is not considered qualifying for this role. Applicants with an associate's degree in Food Service or related culinary arts program can substitute education for experience on a month-for-month basis. The Hawaii State Department of Education encourages applicants to bring demonstrated responsibility and comprehensive experience in large quantity food preparation.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the health and success of students by providing well-prepared, nutritious meals in a supportive school food service setting. Working alongside a dedicated team, you will experience a respectful work environment supportive of professional growth through training and development, while serving the community’s youth. The position also underscores the Department’s commitment to equal opportunity employment and inclusivity, meeting local and federal employment laws to foster a diverse workforce.