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School Head Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RSU 12, Sheepscot Valley

Head Cook

Somerville, ME · On-site

Chelsea Elementary School Date Available: August 2026 Closing Date: When Filled DESCRIPTION: RSU 12 seeks a Head Cook to oversee a kitchen that provides breakfast and lunch as part of the RSU 12 food ...

County of Newaygo, MI

Head Cook

White Cloud, MI · On-site

$15.57 - $17.96/hr

... Head Cook to oversee the back-of-house logistics and culinary execution. In this hybrid role, the ... High School or equivalent * Experience: One year in a food preparation environment preferred.

Lunchtime Solutions

Head Cook

Storm Lake, IA · On-site

On-site at Storm Lake Community school District Schedule: Monday-Friday 6:30am-1:30pm Lunchtime Solutions is seeking a dependable, team-focused Head Cook to join our school food service program. If ...

Lunchtime Solutions, Inc.

Head Cook

Storm Lake, IA · On-site

On-site at Storm Lake Community school District Schedule: Monday-Friday 6:30am-1:30pm Lunchtime Solutions is seeking a dependable, team‑focused Head Cook to join our school food service program. If ...

Lunchtime Solutions, Inc.

Head Cook

Flandreau, SD · On-site

On-site at Flandreau School District Schedule: Monday-Friday 6am-1:30pm Lunchtime Solutions is seeking a dependable, team‑focused Head Cook to join our school food service program. If you take ...

New

husadayforce

Head Cook

New York, NY · On-site

Quarterstone | 225 25th Street, Brooklyn NY 11232 Position Summary HELP USA is seeking a Head Cook ... High School Diploma or equivalent required. * Food Handlers License required. * Three years of ...

husadayforce

Head Cook

New York, NY · On-site

Quarterstone | 225 25th Street, Brooklyn NY 11232 Position Summary HELP USA is seeking a Head Cook ... High School Diploma or equivalent required. * Food Handlers License required. * Three years of ...

The Accelerated Schools

Head Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23.22/hr

About the Employer Founded in 1994, as one of the first charter schools in California, TAS was ... Job Summary The Head Cook performs a variety of duties to support the food services program of The ...

Lunchtime Solutions

Head Cook

Sioux City, IA · On-site

Monday-Friday 8:30am-1:30pm Lunchtime Solutions is seeking a dependable, team-focused Head Cook to join our school food service program. If you take pride in preparing nutritious and delicious meals ...

husadayforce

Head Cook

New York, NY

Quarterstone | 225 25th Street, Brooklyn NY 11232 Position Summary HELP USA is seeking a Head Cook ... High School Diploma or equivalent required. * Food Handlers License required. * Three years of ...

Lunchtime Solutions, Inc.

Head Cook

Sioux City, IA · On-site

Monday-Friday 8:30am-1:30pm Lunchtime Solutions is seeking a dependable, team‑focused Head Cook to join our school food service program. If you take pride in preparing nutritious and delicious ...

Middletown Unified

Head Cook

Middletown, CA · On-site

$20.53 - $27.99/hr

About the Employer Middletown Unified School District is a small, community-centered school ... Job Summary The Head Cook is responsible for the daily production of nutritious meals prepared ...

HANAC, Inc.

Head Cook

Astoria, NY · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

Position Summary The Head Cook oversees all kitchen operations, including menu planning, food ... High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience. * Minimum two (2) years of experience preparing ...

Trinidad School District #1

Head Cook

Trinidad, CO · On-site

POSITION TITLE Head Cook QUALIFICATIONS * Required to successfully be able to lift 50 pounds, and pushing/pulling 35 pounds of force. * Ability to relate in a positive manner to fellow employees ...

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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 10, 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

Somerville, ME • On-site

RSU 12, Sheepscot Valley
See more jobs at RSU 12, Sheepscot Valleyexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Food Service/Head Cook
Date Posted:
7/1/2026
Location:
Chelsea Elementary School
Date Available:
August 2026
Closing Date:
When Filled
DESCRIPTION:
RSU 12 seeks a Head Cook to oversee a kitchen that provides breakfast and lunch as part of the RSU 12 food service program.
Eight hours per day.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Manages the school food service program in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.
  • Oversees receiving, storing, handling, preparing, and serving of food according to established specifications and procedures.
  • Directs purchases, or recommends purchases or orders, of all food supplies and equipment according to established specifications and procedures.
  • Checks food and supply deliveries for quality and accuracy.
  • Assures that sanitation and safety standards in all phases of the school food service operations, meet established standards at all times.
  • Maintains a required system of accountability of meals served by category, (paid, free or reduced), and prepares menu records on a daily basis. Supervises food service workers, including training, scheduling and work assignments.
  • Instructs new food service staff and substitutes in performing their assigned tasks.
  • Inspects the kitchen, utensils, and employees for cleanliness and adherence to sanitary requirements.
  • Assumes responsibility for checking that all equipment in the kitchen areas is in safe, working condition and notifies the Food Services Supervisor when repairs or replacements are needed.
  • Maintains accurate daily production records including the number of meals served, food quantities used, and correct portions according to the School Meal Pattern regulations.
  • Performs such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned.

LEGAL AND ETHICAL DUTIES:
  • Maintains confidentiality about all aspects of student educational and personal life.
  • Demonstrates a respect for the legal and human rights of students, staff, parents, School Board, and other community members.
  • Follows health and safety procedures established by the School Department.
  • Arrives and departs punctually, notifying appropriate personnel about absences and coverage needs.
  • Demonstrates dependability, integrity, and other ethical standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Current State of Maine Criminal History Records Check Certification
  • Serve Safe Certification
  • Experience cooking for 100+ individuals per day preferred.
  • Able to interact appropriately and respectfully with students and adults.
  • Flexibility, creativity and a willingness to work with a team.

Apply