Cook Jobs in Norwich, VT (NOW HIRING)

Lead Cook - Bring Leadership and Heart to the School Kitchen!
Monday-Friday | No Nights or Weekends!

Are you an experienced cook ready to take the lead in a meaningful role? Join our school nutrition team as a Lead Cook and help prepare and serve fresh, nutritious meals that fuel student success. Take pride in knowing your work directly impacts the health, focus, and well-being of growing minds-every single day!

What You'll Do:

• Lead the preparation and service of meals according to daily school menus and portion guidelines.
• Organize kitchen operations, ensuring food is safely cooked, beautifully presented, and ready on time.
• Support and guide team members in maintaining a clean, efficient, and friendly kitchen environment.
• Oversee food orders, inventory, and deliveries to keep everything running smoothly.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, sanitation protocols, and allergy accommodations.
• Keep accurate records including production sheets and temperature logs.

Why You'll Love This Job:

• Family-Friendly Hours - Be home before dinner!
• No nights, weekends, or holidays
• Leadership Opportunity - Step up in a supportive, mission-driven role
• Paid Training - Learn our systems and grow your skills
• Work with Purpose - Make a difference in children's daily lives

What We're Looking For:

• At least 1 year of professional culinary experience
• Familiarity with basic cooking techniques, recipe procedures, and food safety
• ServSafe certification or willingness to obtain
• Strong organization and time-management skills
• Ability to lead a kitchen team in a positive, collaborative way
• Passion for preparing healthy meals and helping kids thrive

About Us:

At Whitsons Culinary Group, we believe every meal has the power to enhance a student's day. As a Lead Cook, you'll play a vital role in ensuring nutritious, well-prepared meals are delivered with care and consistency. This is more than a job-it's a way to lead with heart and purpose in your community.

Perks & Benefits:

• Competitive pay with opportunities for advancement
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• A welcoming, supportive team environment
• The chance to make a daily impact through food

Apply now and help us nourish the next generation!At Whitsons, our mission is Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time.

$26/hour

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Education

• High school diploma or equivalentrequired;must complete allWhitsonsand government-requiredtrainingas necessary.

Experience

• Minimum 1 year of professional culinary or food service experiencerequired; school nutrition or institutional food service experience preferred.

Certifications

• ServSafecertificationrequiredor mustobtainwithin a definedtimeframeupon hire; local food safety certificationrequiredin anyjurisdictionof employment.

Other Qualifications

• Must be proficient in recipe procedures and cooking techniques; ability to speak and read English sufficient to understand and perform job assignments, follow recipes, andcomply withsafety requirements.

• Alwayspresentsa positive and professional image; ability to work effectively as part of a food service team in a fast-paced kitchen environment; genuine interest in school nutrition and student health.

Core Competencies

• Culinary Skill & Recipe Adherence:Demonstratesproficiencyin cooking techniques, batch cooking, and recipe execution; consistently meets portioning, presentation, and nutritional compliance standards for every meal served.

• Food Safety & Compliance:Maintainsrigorous adherence to HACCP,ServSafe, and all applicable food safety and sanitation standards; completes temperature logs and production records accurately and on time every shift.

• Execution & Reliability:Manages the timing and sequencing of cooking operations to meet meal service deadlines consistently; follows allWhitsonspolicies, production standards, and assigned schedules with accuracy and dependability.

• Attention to Detail:Demonstratescare in portioning, temperature monitoring, station setup, signage, and documentation; ensures every station is stocked, clean, and properlymaintainedthroughout the service day.

• Teamwork:Works cooperatively with the Chef Manager and fellow food service workers; contributes to a productive, positive kitchen environment and supports the team in achieving daily service goals.

• Customer Focus:Takes pride in the quality and presentation of every meal served;maintainsa welcoming, clean, and visually appealing station and understands that student satisfaction and participation are the ultimate measure of success.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER DETAILS

Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are aligned with the school district's food service schedule. Occasional extended hours may berequiredin support ofspecial eventsor operational needs.

Travel Requirements

This position is primarily site-based. Occasional travel to other school locations within the district may berequiredfor substitute coverage or operational support.

Physical Demands of the Job

The Team Member is required to stand on their feet forthe majority ofthe workday; frequently walk, talk, and hear; use hands and fingers to handle food, tools, and equipment; and reach with hands and arms.Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side. Exposure to extreme temperatures (hot and cold) due to cooking and refrigeration equipment. Movement in and out of storerooms and near ovens and freezers is regularlyrequired. Specific vision abilitiesrequiredinclude close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonableaccommodationsmay be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

This positionoperatesprimarily in a kitchen and food service production environment.Standing is required forthe majority ofthe workday.The noise level is moderate to loud during meal service periods.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of thevarious typesof workand dutiesthat may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, andWhitsonsreserves the right to addadditionalduties ormodifyexisting duties.

The job descriptiondoes not constitutean employment agreement betweenWhitsonsandteammemberand is subject to change byWhitsonsas the needs ofWhitsonsand requirements of the job change.