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School Head Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Antioch School District 34

Head Cook

Lake Villa, IL · On-site

Oakland Elementary School HEAD COOK POSITION SUMMARY The Head Cook is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring the preparation and service of high-quality meals in accordance ...

Huntingdon Area School District

Head Cook

Huntingdon, PA · On-site

$13.56 - $17.81/hr

Southside Elementary School Date Available: 26-27 Closing Date: 08/19/2026 The Huntingdon Area School District seeks to hire a Head Cook at Southside Elementary for the 2026-2027 school year. Please ...

Huntingdon Area School District

Head Cook

Huntingdon, PA · On-site

$13.56 - $17.81/hr

The Huntingdon Area School District seeks to hire a Head Cook at Southside Elementary for the 2026-2027 school year. Please see the attached . Pay rate will follow the CBA and range from $13.56- $17 ...

Kennedy Center

Head cook

Charlestown, MA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

... School and School Age Child Care services. The Head Cook will also assure compliance with all ... licensing and accreditation requirements. They will also serve as a member of the Children ...

School Administrative Unit #19

Head Cook

Sussex, WI · On-site

$19.82 - $24.64/hr

Food Service/Head Cook Date Posted: 8/3/2026 Location: Maple Avenue Elementary School Date Available: 08/25/2026 Closing Date: until filled STARTING DATE: August 25, 2026 HOURS TO BE WORKED: 6.5 hrs ...

Jackson County Central Schools

Head Cook

Jackson, MN · On-site

$17.25/hr

Jackson County Central High School Date Available: 08/25/2026 Closing Date: 09/04/2026 Food Service Head Cook Position Purpose Under the direct supervision of the Food Service Director, to plan and ...

Antioch School District 34

Head Cook

Antioch, IL

HEAD COOK POSITION SUMMARY The Head Cook is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations ... Checks weekly food shipments into the school, signing invoices after each order has been verified ...

The Accelerated Schools

Head Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23.22/hr

Head Cook at The Accelerated Schools Share on X Print Application Deadline Until Filled Date Posted 8/25/2026 Contact Kevin Menjivar Number of Openings 1 Salary Pay Range $23.22 - $23.22 Per Hour ...

County of Newaygo

Head Cook

White Cloud, MI · On-site

$15.57 - $17.96/hr

High School or equivalent Experience: One year in a food preparation environment preferred. Ability ... Ability to work effectively with others and under the direct supervision of the Head Cook/Food ...

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School Head Cook information

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How much do school head cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for school head cook in the United States is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a school head cook?

School head cooks are responsible for overseeing the preparation and serving of meals in a school's cafeteria or kitchen. They manage kitchen staff, plan menus that meet nutritional guidelines, order food and supplies, and ensure that all food safety and sanitation standards are followed. School head cooks play a key role in making sure students receive healthy, balanced meals during the school day and often work closely with nutritionists and school administrators.

What are the main challenges a school head cook faces when planning menus for a diverse student population?

A School Head Cook must balance nutrition guidelines, budget constraints, and varying dietary needs while planning menus. This involves creating appealing, healthy meals that comply with federal and state nutrition standards, accommodate allergies and cultural preferences, and fit within allocated resources. The role often requires creativity and flexibility to adjust menus based on ingredient availability and feedback from students and staff. Collaboration with nutritionists, school administrators, and kitchen staff is essential to ensure all requirements are met and meals are served efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a school head cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Head Cook, you need expertise in food preparation, menu planning, nutrition, and food safety regulations, typically supported by a food handler’s certification or equivalent qualification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and compliance with USDA school meal standards is essential. Leadership, organization, and strong communication skills help manage kitchen staff and coordinate with school administrators. These skills ensure safe, nutritious, and appealing meals for students while maintaining efficient kitchen operations and regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between School Head Cook vs School Cafeteria Worker?

AspectSchool Head CookSchool Cafeteria Worker
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingBasic food handling certification
Work EnvironmentOversees kitchen operations, manages staffAssists in food prep, serves students
ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, cooking, supervising staffFood serving, cleaning, assisting cooks

The School Head Cook typically has more responsibilities, including menu planning and staff supervision, requiring specific culinary credentials. In contrast, the School Cafeteria Worker focuses on food serving and basic food prep, often with less formal training. Both roles work within school cafeterias but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to School Head Cook jobs?

For School Head Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Head Cook

Lake Villa, IL • On-site

Antioch School District 34
See more jobs at Antioch School District 34external

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Supervises and instructs assistant cook and cook's helper in the safe and proper use of all kitchen equipment.

  • Prepares food according to a planned menu while following the guidelines of the National School Lunch Program.

  • Prepares and sends food and supply orders, checks weekly food shipments, and maintains records related to food safety, inventory, and program compliance.

Job description

Position Type:
Food Service/Head Cook
Date Posted:
8/3/2026
Location:
Oakland Elementary School
HEAD COOK
POSITION SUMMARY
The Head Cook is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring the preparation and service of high-quality meals in accordance with established recipes, nutritional standards, and safety regulations..
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Supervises and instructs assistant cook and cook's helper in the safe and proper use of all kitchen equipment.
  • Maintains the highest standards of safety and cleanliness in the kitchen following HACCP policy.
  • Determines quantity of food prepared daily.
  • Prepares food according to a planned menu while following the guidelines of the National School Lunch Program.
  • Supervises and coordinates activities of assistant cook and cook's helper.
  • Each week prepares and sends food and supply orders through the online ordering system.
  • Checks weekly food shipments into the school, signing invoices after each order has been verified for accuracy, while following the HACCP policy for receiving shipments.
  • Follows HACCP policy for logging the freezer, cooler, and milk cooler temperatures at the beginning and end of each day.
  • Maintains all records required under the National School Lunch Program.
  • Prepares daily production records and additional reports as needed.
  • Keeps monthly inventory records of all foods and supplies.
  • Attends monthly meetings and in-services as requested.
  • Must have or be willing to get a Food Safety Managers Sanitation Certification through www.sfhcorp.com
  • Provides leadership to co-workers regarding the compliance with department procedures and helps create a positive work atmosphere through Teamwork.
  • Maintains a pleasant attitude with all staff and students.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • High School diploma or equivalent

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The role requires the ability to perform various physical tasks, including standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, lifting, and bending, as necessary to fulfill job responsibilities. The work environment may involve exposure to typical levels of noise and activity associated with a school and on a school bus setting. This overview is not exhaustive of all physical requirements and responsibilities inherent in the role.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
REPORTS TO: Director of Food Service
BENEFITS
  • Employer contributions to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth within the district.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Hourly rate, length of work year and ongoing service shall be determined by the Board of Education.
The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by the individual assigned to the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all of the duties and responsibilities related to the position.
Attachment(s):
  • Job Description | Head Cook

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