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NAYA Family Center is seeking a dedicated Preschool Cook to join our early childhood program. This role focuses on planning, preparing, and serving nutritious, culturally grounded meals for approximately 40 children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, in full compliance with CACFP requirements. The Preschool Cook balances hands-on kitchen work with administrative duties including menu planning, compliance documentation, and inventory management — all within a warm environment that honors First Foods, Native values, and trauma-informed practices.

NAYA offers an exceptional benefits package, including free medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees (with affordable options for family members), a 401(k) retirement plan with a 6% match, paid vacation, and 16 paid holidays.

This is an hourly, nonexmpt role with pay ranging from $20-23 per hour.

Who You Are

• You have 5+ years of culinary experience, including large-batch cooking, and 2+ years of kitchen management or food service leadership.
• You have direct experience with CACFP meal pattern compliance and documentation.
• Ideally, you have knowledge of Native American history, culture and the local urban Native community..
• You understand early childhood nutrition and can adapt recipes for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with varying dietary needs.
• You are well-versed in commercial kitchen operations, food safety, and sanitation standards.
• You are detail-oriented with strong follow-through — compliance records, audits, and inventory don't slip past you.
• You communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and in person.
• You are consistently punctual, reliable, and dependable in support of your team and clients.
• You are adaptable, flexible, and able to manage changing priorities without compromising the quality of your work.
• You engage respectfully and warmly with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• You hold (or can obtain) an Oregon Food Handler's Card and CPR/First Aid/AED certification.

What You'll Do

• Prepare daily breakfast, lunch, and two snacks following CACFP meal patterns for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
• Develop monthly menus honoring cultural food practices; submit menus and revisions per CACFP requirements.
• Complete all CACFP documentation including meal production records, attendance, menu changes, and required reports.
• Prepare compliance documentation for ODE, Multnomah County, USDA, and other regulatory agencies.
• Conduct internal audits to ensure adherence to food safety, sanitation, and CACFP regulations.
• Order food and supplies; track purchases, maintain accurate inventory, and oversee budget.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen in accordance with Multnomah County Environmental Health and DELC standards.
• Support special event meal preparation as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and accurate data entry in agency systems (ETO, Counselor Max, etc.).
• Participate in required state, federal, and agency trainings.
• Represent NAYA with professionalism at community events and cross-departmental projects.
• Support recycling and composting in alignment with program sustainability practices.

Application Instructions Providing a cover letter helps us best understand your interest in the role, so we encourage you to submit one along with your resume. If you need accommodation during the application process, please email jobs@nayapdx.org.

Questions? Want to chat about this role before you decide to apply? Contact Brandi Starbird, Early Childhood Services Manager, or the HR team.

NAYA is committed to building a work environment that respects and inspires every community member. Our mission is to serve Urban Native youth and families, so we strongly encourage members of the Native community to apply. We encourage applications from members of other historically marginalized groups, as well, including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those who have served in the military.