This position is a rewarding opportunity to play a vital role in supporting the health and nutrition of the students of Crescent City Schools. By contributing to the success of the meal program, this role directly enhances the students' educational experience, providing them with the nourishment needed to thrive academically and socially. The PK-8 Cafeteria Food Service Cook assists the Cafeteria Manager in preparing and serving nutritious meals to students and staff, ensuring compliance with safety, sanitation, and federal nutrition guidelines. This role requires teamwork, professionalism, and a commitment to creating a positive dining experience for the school community. It is a full-time role, with opportunities for work beyond the regular school year, including summer programs. Flexibility may be required to meet the needs of the school community, including occasional nights and weekends.

Our Food Service Cooks impact students’ lives by:

• Preparing and cooking proteins, grains, vegetables, and other food items in coordination with the Cafeteria Manager
• Following standardized recipes precisely, measuring and mixing ingredients according to instructions
• Operating commercial kitchen equipment such as ovens, grills, tilt skillets, and steamers
• Use proper knife handling and food cutting techniques to prep ingredients efficiently and safely
• Baking, roasting, and steaming food items while ensuring proper cooking times and temperatures
• Setting up and maintaining serving lines, including steam tables, and keeping food fresh and at proper holding temperatures
• Serving designated portions of food to students and staff while following portion control guidelines
• Maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment by washing equipment, sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing food service areas
• Follow safe food handling practices and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures
• Following all safety procedures and Child Nutrition Services guidelines related to personal hygiene, uniforms, and jewelry
• Receiving, verifying, and properly storing grocery and supply deliveries in designated areas
• Exhibiting courtesy, understanding, and professionalism when interacting with students, staff, and colleagues
• Monitoring food appearance and quality during service to ensure customer satisfaction
• Participating in training sessions, including the annual 6-hour requirement under the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act
• Operating computerized or manual point-of-sale systems and accurately recording reimbursable meals according to federal guidelines
• Support teammates during peak service times with flexibility and a problem-solving mindset
• Supporting the Cafeteria Manager with inventory control and cash handling tasks as needed
• Record production logs, temperature charts, and cleaning checklists as required by food service regulations
• Participating in the life of the school, including student activities and events
• Taking on additional tasks as needed

What We Offer:

• Click here for more information about our innovative compensation system. This role is on the Support Scale and may include bumps for taking on leadership responsibilities, summer work, doing work outside your regular job duties, or longevity with CCS
• Click here for more information about our award-winning benefits package, which includes fully-paid health insurance, immediate 4% 401k match, employer-paid mental health services, and generous leave policies

Apply now if you: 

• Believe in the mission and values of Crescent City Schools
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Have previous food service, cooking, or kitchen prep experience (preferred)
• Have ServSafe certification or ability to obtain certification (preferred)
• Can demonstrate strong culinary skills, including food prep, cooking techniques, and recipe adherence
• Know safe food handling procedures and can follow food safety regulations
• Can demonstrate basic computer skills and operate point-of-sale systems
• Have the ability to read, follow, and apply standard weights and measures to recipes
• Have time management skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Can demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds daily for short periods
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 5 hours
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, including warm kitchen environments and cold walk-in freezers
• Ability to bend, stoop, and reach as needed
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals such as bleach and sanitizing agents

About Crescent City Schools

Crescent City Schools is a nonprofit Charter Management Organization whose mission is to support and develop open-enrollment charter schools that raise student achievement and prepare students for college. Crescent City Schools currently operates three PreK-8th grade open-enrollment charter schools: Harriet Tubman and Dorothy Height Charter Schools on the West Bank and Mildred Osborne Charter School in the Kenilworth neighborhood. Our organization creates life-changing educational experiences for students and, through this work, transforms a city.

At Crescent City Schools, we believe in inspiring people. And we firmly believe our success is driven by dedicated and talented employees. Crescent City Schools is committed to attracting and retaining the best professionals in education with an array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.