Cook

Cook

Espanola Public Schools San Juan Elementary - Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Espanola Public Schools

Job : 4292145

Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled

Re-Posted: Jul 29, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 4, 2023

Title:
Cook

Work Unit/

Location:

School Site

Reports to:
Head Cook/ Cafeteria Manager

Supervises: N/A

Contract Length:

163 days

4 day week

Pay

Schedule:

Per Cook Salary Schedule

Overtime Status:

Must be pre-approved

Hours:

Per assigned shift

Union Status:

Union

Licensure:

Food Handler License

GENERAL JOB FUNCTION

The School Cook assists in the preparation, cooking, serving, and cleanup of nutritious, appealing, and USDA-compliant meals for students and staff in accordance with the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), USDA regulations, New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Food Program requirements, New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) regulations, district policies, and established food safety standards.

The School Cook contributes to a clean, safe, efficient, and welcoming cafeteria environment while supporting the district's commitment to student health, nutrition, and customer service.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Current New Mexico Food Handler Certification or ability to obtain within the required timeframe after employment.
• Previous institutional or commercial food service experience preferred.
• Experience working in a school nutrition program preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Food preparation techniques
• Safe food handling procedures
• USDA School Nutrition Program requirements
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) food safety procedures
• Kitchen sanitation and cleaning procedures
• Portion control
• Food storage requirements
• Nutrition guidelines
• Commercial kitchen equipment
• Customer service practices

Ability to:

• Prepare meals according to standardized recipes.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Maintain sanitation and food safety standards.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Work cooperatively with students, staff, and coworkers.
• Accurately measure and portion food.
• Maintain confidentiality when appropriate.
• Demonstrate professionalism and dependability.

RESOURCES USED

Commercial ovens, steamers, mixers, slicers, food processors, refrigerators, freezers, warming units, dishwashing equipment, serving lines, temperature monitoring devices, point-of-sale systems, kitchen utensils, cleaning equipment, and standard office equipment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, carrying, twisting, and repetitive hand movements. Employees must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and safely move food products, equipment, and supplies. The position requires the ability to work in hot, cold, and humid environments and to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a commercial kitchen and cafeteria environment with exposure to heat, steam, cold storage areas, cleaning chemicals, wet floors, kitchen equipment, and moderate to occasionally high noise levels.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Food Preparation

• Prepare breakfast, lunch, snacks, and other food items according to standardized recipes and district menus.
• Assist with cooking, baking, assembling, and portioning meals that meet USDA nutritional requirements.
• Prepare fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, sandwiches, and other menu items.
• Ensure meals are attractive, properly portioned, and served at appropriate temperatures.
• Follow production records and meal preparation schedules.

Meal Service

• Serve students and staff in a courteous, efficient, and…