School Cook I, II - Ke'elikolani Middle

The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) is the principal agency responsible for the administration and oversight of public education across the Hawaiian Islands. As a large and diverse educational institution, HIDOE is committed to fostering an environment that promotes excellence in education, support for students and staff, and contribution to the community’s growth and well-being. The department offers various employment opportunities aimed at supporting the educational mission, including roles in food service that ensure students receive nutritious and timely meals, which are integral to their health and ability to learn effectively.

This opportunity is for the position of School Cook II, a vital role within the school food service program. The authorized employment levels include School Cook II and School Cook I, with acceptance of applications down to the School Cook I level in cases of recruitment difficulties. The position offers a salary range between $4,849.00 to $5,246.00 per month, based on the classification level. Employment with the Hawaii State Department of Education comes with additional benefits and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the educational experience of students.

The School Cook II is responsible for the planning, preparation, and cooking of meals in quantity for the school food service program. This role involves coordinating closely with other food service employees to ensure that meals are prepared to meet scheduled service times and satellite delivery schedules. Candidates will review food production records regularly and employ standardized recipes to plan cooking and preparation activities. Precision in measuring ingredients and adjusting recipes to meet production requirements and portion sizes is essential to maintaining quality and consistency.

The position demands skill in preparing a variety of foods including sandwiches, breakfast items, simple starches, vegetables, and other meal components. Additionally, the School Cook II may prepare meal items catering to students with special dietary needs, ensuring inclusivity and compliance with nutritional standards. This role also includes serving meals, maintaining cleanliness, and sanitation of work areas and equipment, and managing storage and disposal of leftover foods responsibly. A key aspect of the job is inventory management, including receiving ordered supplies, documenting product temperatures, and conducting monthly inventory assessments.

Supervisory responsibilities are also part of the School Cook II duties. The role may involve directing cafeteria helpers and other staff or student assistants, training new employees, and overseeing serving operations, especially at satellite school locations. The School Cook II is expected to participate actively in staff meetings, workshops, and training sessions, fulfilling the annual training requirements set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Success in this position requires demonstrated knowledge and experience in quantity cooking, food safety and sanitation, recipe standardization, and kitchen equipment operation. The Hawaii State Department of Education emphasizes that possession of the required years of experience alone does not qualify candidates; rather, the experience must clearly demonstrate the ability to perform the duties and responsibilities at the expected level. This role offers an important opportunity for individuals passionate about food service and student welfare to make a direct impact within public education.

This position may be temporary but can be extended dependent on funding and departmental needs, with possibilities for advancement. The Department values diversity, equitable opportunities, and compliance with federal and state non-discrimination laws, creating an inclusive work environment for all employees. New employees can expect their first paycheck within the first three pay periods of their start date, with paydays occurring on the 5th and 20th of every month or the previous business day.