Child Nutrition Cook

East Valley Academy, 855 W 8th Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210

Rhodes Junior High, 1860 S Longmore, Mesa, AZ 85202

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Full-time (40 hours per week)

Base Hourly:

$19.64

Class/Calendar:

B21, 9.25 months

Benefits:

Vacation, sick leave, holidays, retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New Hire Experience:

1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten -year maximum

New Hire Education:

1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Job Summary:

To preplan work and prepare quantity food products needed daily according to menus

Key Responsibilities:

This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role, detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Preplan work and prepare products needed daily according to menus
• Taste, smell and observe final product for quality and appearance
• Maintain economic operation of cook’s area, use and cleaning of equipment (i.e. slicers, mixers, oven, steamers, etc)
• Delegate appropriate work assignments to kitchen employees
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Regular and on-time attendance required
• Train and direct cafeteria employees
• Test new recipes and products
• Participate in workshops, seminars and in-services
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary.

Education :

• High school education or equivalent
• Must have Maricopa County Food Service Worker card
• Valid Arizona driver’s license with proof of insurance and reliable transportation

Experience:

• One year experience in quantity food production; some school food service experience

Skills & Competencies:

This section outlines the critical skills and competencies required to excel in this role, enabling effective performance, adaptability, and consistent achievement of job responsibilities.

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) and to oversee other adults and student employees
• Ability to stand for long periods of time and to perform frequent reaching, stooping and lifting of up to forty pounds
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to take direction from kitchen manager
• Ability to calculate recipe conversions

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office, classroom, or other settings, and if there are physical activities like standing, walking, or lifting.

• Fast-paced, high-energy, and often warm due to cooking equipment
• Early morning shifts – typically starting before school or daycare hours to prepare breakfast and lunch
• Works closely with other kitchen staff, nutritionists, and facility personnel
• Extended periods on foot while preparing and serving meals
• Working in hot and cold environments – moving between ovens, stoves, freezers, and refrigerators
• Lifting and carrying – ability to lift 25-50 lbs (e.g., large food containers, bulk supplies)

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.