Position Type:
Classified Staff/Head Cook
Date Posted:
5/13/2025
Location:
Upper Arlington High School
Closing Date:
Until Filled
UPPER ARLINGTON CITY SCHOOLS
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: Lead High School Cook
Time Schedule: M-F, 10 Months
Hours: 6:00 am - 1:30 pm
Salary Rate or Ratio: Hourly
Reports to: Director of Nutritional Services
Employment Status: Classified - Regular/Part Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Description: The Lead High School Cook plays a crucial role in supporting the nutritional and educational goals of the school by providing healthy, balanced and appealing meals to students. The Lead High School Cook assists in the planning and preparation of all aspects of breakfast and/or lunch menus and service as assigned. The Lead High School Cook assists the Kitchen Manager in supporting the efficient operation of the HS kitchen/cafeteria while adhering to all health, safety and USDA guidelines/standards. The Lead High School Cook will promote healthy eating and support a service friendly, team and welcoming environment.
Probationary Period: 120 Days
NOTE: The lists below are not ranked in order of importance:
Qualifications:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
3+ years related cooking experience
Catering experience is a plus
Level II Certification or ability to attain within first 6 months of employment
Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Supervisor and/or Board of Education may find appropriate
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
Ability to estimate the amount of food needed for one day’s menu
Ability to follow recipes
Ability to read and understand verbal and written instructions, written warnings, and labels
Ability to work effectively with others
Ability to work quickly and efficiently during lunch periods
Effective, active listening skills
Experience cooking in large quantities
Experience in preparing school lunches
Knowledge of various cooking procedures
Organizational and problem solving skills
Ability to work independently
General knowledge of operation and cleaning of various kitchen equipment
Prepare and serve quality food in a friendly manner
Thorough understanding of friendly customer service
Such alternatives to the above knowledge, skills, and abilities as the Supervisor and/or Board of Education may find appropriate
Essential Functions:
Ensure safety of students
Foster and maintain a positive, welcoming and respectful environment in the cafeteria
Adhere to federal, state and local laws pertaining to school food service programs
Utilize and adhere to standardized recipes
Maintains an organized, clean and safe work environment at all times and follows guidelines to ensure all kitchen, serving and storage areas meet health and safety standards.
Assist in the daily cleaning of all kitchen equipment and serving lines
Assist other cooks of proper measurements for various mixtures in preparing specific items for meals
Assist Kitchen Manager in overseeing and training of high school kitchen staff
Assist Kitchen Manager in daily operational plans and schedule
Assist in the Kitchen Manager role in their absence
Adapt meals to accommodate shortage of supply items when needed
Pack “special function” orders according to specifications made on order sheets
Assist with regular inventories of raw food, materials and equipment
Attend meetings, online training courses and in-services as required
Fill out daily production records for assigned areas
Follow the school district menu and see that all necessary foods and supplies are on hand in accordance with the menu
Interact in a positive manner with staff, students and parents
Maintain orderly and clean work areas
Maintain respect at all times for confidential information to include free and reduced lunch students, student allergies etc…
Prepare and serve food quality food and present in an attractive manner
Report the inferior quality of food or faulty equipment to the appropriate supervisor
Schedule and plan in advance foods that need to be defrosted
Straighten and put away stock in storage areas
Record all leftover food on the daily work sheet and food report
Assist with coverage of PreK-8 Cook or Lead PreK-8 Cook positions as needed
Wash pots, pans and other utensils, scrub and sanitize sinks, table tops and countertops, maintain cleanliness for the entire area.
Assist in preparation, set up and completion of all catering orders in a timely manner
Promote good public relations by personal appearance, attitude and conversation
Serve as a role model for students and staff by demonstrating positive behavior, attitude and values
Engage with students in a positive manner, promoting a healthy attitude towards food and nutrition.
Such alternatives to the above essential duties as the Supervisor and/or Board of Education may find appropriate
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
Assist with regular inventories of food, materials and equipment
Assist Kitchen Manager with orders/supply needs
Follows district attendance and timesheet/time clock procedures
Assist with performing monthly inventory of supplies, order supplies as needed
Plan accordingly and do your best not to have excess or waste
Respond to routine questions and requests in an appropriate manner
Ability to work as a team and assist the department as needed
Creativity in food preparation and how it is presented to customers
Ability to organize and maintain lunch count when point of sale system is not working
Maintain security in the kitchen area by locking and unlocking doors, storage areas, check temperatures on freezers and refrigerator daily in accordance with Board of Health regulations
Perform other duties as assigned by the Nutritional Director
Serve as a role model for the District.
Equipment Operated:
Point of sale computer system
Calculator
Copy machine
Can opener
Combi Unit
Tilt Skillet
Conventional oven/stove
Warmers
Dishwasher
Food processor
Grinder
Knives
Microwave
Mixer
Slicer
Steamer
Other related kitchen equipment necessary to complete duties as a Head Cook
Additional Working Conditions:
Frequent excessive standing during assigned workday
Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissue
Occasional interaction with unruly adults and children
Occasional requirement to lift, carry, push, and pull various items up to a maximum of 50 pounds, 300 pounds (on wheels)
Frequent requirement to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, see, read, speak, reach, stretch with hands and arms, crouch, kneel, climb, stoop, and balance
Frequent repetitive hand motion, e.g., cutting and grinding
Occasional requirement to travel, i.e., to pick up food and/or materials
Occasional overtime work will be requested and expected of the employee
Employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance, use in the workplace throughout his/her employment with the district.
The Upper Arlington City School District Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, including sexual orientation and transgender identity, disbility, age, religion, military status, ancenstry genetic information, or any other legally protected category, in its program and activities, including employment opportunities.
This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the incumbent. The incumbent will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the incumbent’s supervisor and or appointing authority.