1

School Head Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Assistant Head Cook

Whitefish, MT · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Assistant Head Cook Reports To: Head Cook Pay Range: $20-$22 At the Bar W our core focus is ... High school graduate or GED equivalent. * A Team Player who lives by the Bar W Core Values.

Head Cook Clair Tappaan Lodge is looking for a creative cook to enhance the lodge's culinary ... High school diploma or equivalent; culinary school or relevant certification is a plus. Aperture ...

Assistant Head Cook

Mazeppa, MN · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Zumbrota-Mazeppa School District is seeking Assistant Head Cook 6 Hours Daily on Student Days Position is based out of the Mazeppa location. Primary responsibilities include assisting the Head Cook ...

Head Cook Clair Tappaan Lodge is looking for a creative cook to enhance the lodge's culinary ... High school diploma or equivalent; culinary school or relevant certification is a plus. Aperture ...

Head Cook

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$20.10 - $28.14/hr

R161521 Head Cook (Open) How You'll Help Transform Healthcare: Head Cook * Develops menus and ... High School diploma or GED required. Culinary degree preferred. Experience: 3 years in commercial ...

Northpointe Woods is recruiting for a hospitality focused Head Cook to join our team! This position ... High school diploma * Culinary degree preferred * Minimum of one year restaurant/senior living or ...

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 ...

Head Cook

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$20.10 - $28.14/hr

R161521 Head Cook (Open) How You'll Help Transform Healthcare: Head Cook * Develops menus and ... High School diploma or GED required. Culinary degree preferred. Experience: 3 years in commercial ...

Head Cook

Nespelem, WA · On-site

$25.21 - $37.81/hr

The Head Cook is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations at Coyote Ridge Golf Course ... school diploma or equivalent required • Minimum of four (4) years' experience as a cook at a fast ...

The candidate should know various cooking styles and techniques, with a focus on Italian. Among ... school or study certificates) · Conflict resolution skills · The ability to work under pressure ...

Head Cook

Nespelem, WA · On-site

$25.21 - $37.81/hr

The Head Cook is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations at Coyote Ridge Golf Course ... school diploma or equivalent required • Minimum of four (4) years' experience as a cook at a fast ...

Showing results 41-60

School Head Cook information

See salary details

$9

$18

$29

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

Trinidad, CO • On-site

Trinidad School District #1
Education • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

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, supervisors, students, and the public.Current Food Protection Manager Certification or completed during probation, or obtain within 60 days of renewal (Aug 1).Basic mathematics, communication, and computer skillsAbility to apply the principles of quantity food production and food safety.Ability to plan and organize workload.Ability to use a calculator and accurately complete a bank deposit slip.Ability to handle cash, make correct change, and count money accurately.Accurately count and record food items, inventory, and food production records.Ability to apply principles of quantity food production including batch cooking, safe food handling, and HACCP. REPORTS TO: Food Service Director JOB SUMMARY:The Head Cook is responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate preparation of daily meals with the assistance of designated Kitchen Helpers. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:Complete required food and supply orders as scheduled by the Food Service Director.Attends relevant training sessions as directed by Food Service Director.Controls food and supply inventory as required, and dating and rotating stock

Follows first in, first out procedure to assure rotation of stock.Checks in all food being delivered by distributors with assistance from kitchen helpers. Monitors proper temperatures and dates.Follows established portion control measures to control food costs and assure compliance with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements.Utilizes work simplification techniques for effective use of time. Completes work assignments in a timely manner.Follows standards of safety in preparing, storing, and serving food

Follows food preparation directions and HACCP regarding time and temperature. Food temperatures are recorded when food is prepared and served. Takes corrective action as needed.

Foods are held either below 41 degrees F or above 135 degrees F.Maintains the highest sanitation procedures in all food preparation.Maintain high standards of food quality and appearance. Utilizes methods to preserve nutrient content. Batch cooking is used to avoid long holding times to food prepared onsite

Arranges food attractively in serving containers.Monitor student meal count for breakfast and lunch.Complete reporting requirements in the Point of Sale system.Track and balance daily intake of funds, balance daily till, and complete required daily deposits.Maintain and ensure confidentiality of students, staff, and sensitive information.Monitor and coordinate daily cleaning duties of kitchen staff.Monitor and coordinate the preparation of foods for daily meals served.Assist in serving foods during meal periods and/or monitoring for reimbursable meals and the proper recording of each meal served.Monitors the cleanliness of all kitchen equipment, stoves, refrigerators, coolers, trashcans, floors, bread racks, bins, dishwasher, sinks, tables and chairs in cafeteria.Monitors proper calibration of thermometers and temperatures on coolers and storerooms.Maintains high quality of appearance.Maintains high standards of personal hygiene. Follows hand washing protocol. Practices standards of dress, including shirts with sleeves, closed toe shoes, hair restraint, wearing an apron, and single use gloves when handling food.Performs all other duties as assigned by supervisor