Lead Cook High School

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.