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Santa Fe Public Schools

60 Santa Fe Public Schools Cafeteria Cook Jobs Hiring Near You

Santa Fe Public Schools

CONTRACTOR

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

All positions with Santa Fe Public Schools require a post-offer/pre-employment background check. Some positions have additional requirements as established by federal or state rules and regulations.

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What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cafeteria Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafeteria Cook, you need expertise in food preparation, kitchen safety, and knowledge of nutrition, usually backed by a high school diploma or equivalent and food handler certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and inventory management systems is often required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure food is prepared safely, efficiently, and to a high standard, supporting both customer satisfaction and kitchen operations.

What are some common challenges faced by cafeteria cooks and how can they be managed?

Cafeteria cooks often work in fast-paced environments where they need to prepare large quantities of food within tight timeframes. Managing multiple orders and dietary restrictions, maintaining food safety standards, and coordinating with other kitchen staff can be challenging. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and staying organized are essential for success. Many cafeterias also offer ongoing training to help cooks stay updated on food safety protocols and new menu items.

What are cafeteria cooks?

Cafeteria cooks are food service professionals who prepare and cook meals in cafeterias, often found in schools, hospitals, businesses, or other institutions. They typically follow set menus and recipes, cook large quantities of food, and ensure meals are ready for designated serving times. Their responsibilities may also include maintaining kitchen cleanliness, managing inventory, and adhering to food safety standards. Cafeteria cooks usually work as part of a team and may have early morning or daytime shifts. Their work helps ensure that large groups of people receive nutritious and timely meals.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectCafeteria CookLine Cook
CredentialsFood Handler's Permit, basic culinary skillsFood Handler's Permit, culinary training or experience
Work EnvironmentSchool, hospital, or institutional cafeteriasRestaurant kitchen, fast-paced environment
Employer & IndustryEducational, healthcare, or institutional sectorsHospitality, restaurant industry
Job FocusPreparing large quantities of simple, standardized mealsPreparing specific dishes quickly and efficiently

While both Cafeteria Cooks and Line Cooks prepare food in kitchen settings, Cafeteria Cooks focus on large-scale, standardized meal preparation in institutional environments, whereas Line Cooks work in restaurants preparing individual dishes in a fast-paced setting. The roles require similar certifications but differ in work environment and daily tasks.

What is it like to work at Santa Fe Public Schools?

Santa Fe Public Schools is a community-driven organization that prioritizes collaboration, inclusivity, and student-centered learning, fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment.

The district operates with a team-based structure, where educators and staff work together to develop and implement innovative curricula, and collaborate with local organizations to provide students with hands-on learning experiences. The district's mission is to provide a high-quality education that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world.

Working at Santa Fe Public Schools may appeal to candidates who are passionate about education, committed to community service, and eager to contribute to a district that values diversity, equity, and student achievement.
What other companies are hiring for Cafeteria Cook jobs?
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Infographic showing various Cafeteria Cook job openings at Santa Fe Public Schools in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 12% Temporary, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.
2026-2027 SY: Cook/Cashier at Santa Fe High School

2026-2027 SY: Cook/Cashier at Santa Fe High School

Santa Fe Public Schools

Santa Fe, NM • On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Title:
Cook/Cashier
Work Unit:
Santa Fe High School School
Reports To:
Cafeteria Manager
Contract Length:
177 Days
Pay Schedule:
Student Nutrition - Cooks & Cashiers
Overtime Status:
Non-Exempt
Hours:
7 hours per day (1.0 FTE)
Union Status:
NEA
Licensure:
N/A
All positions with Santa Fe Public Schools require a pre-employment background check. The applicant is responsible for the cost of the fingerprints and background check. Some positions have additional requirements as established by Federal or State rules and regulations. All applicants for Cook must have a Food Handler Certification which meets the standards of the New Mexico Environment Department or must obtain this certification within 30 days of employment. For information on how to obtain the certification, go to food.program@state.nm.us
General Function:
Prepares and serves attractive, nutritious, and palatable cafeteria meals in an efficient, pleasant, and clean environment, while meeting standards for Child Nutrition programs and complying with sanitation standards and district policies.
Education/Training/Experience:
Minimum: High School diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.
Preferred: Cooking experience. Bilingual - English/Spanish
Certifications: Must have or obtain Food Handler Certification
Salary:
Full-time, 7 hours per day
Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of serving portions and reimbursable meal requirements. Ability to read and follow recipes, prepare food, and complete required worksheets. Ability to communicate effectively with managers, teachers, and students.
Essential Job Functions:
All functions are performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, safety and environmental regulations, facility and computer security policies and procedures. Functions are subject to change over time to meet the organization's needs. Current essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:
  1. Complies with department rules, procedures, administrative directives and regulations, district policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local regulations.
  2. Prepares or assists in the preparation, service, and clean-up of foods using menus, standardized recipes, designated portion sizes, and following district sanitation procedures.
  3. Follows work schedules - plans and organizes duties prior to beginning tasks.
  4. Figures the mathematical conversion of recipes to the required amounts when necessary. Knows and uses accurately, measurements for recipe ingredients such as pounds, cups, gallons, tablespoons, etc.
  5. Records food used on Food Production Worksheets accurately to account for usage.
  6. Stores, utilizes, and disposes of food and supplies following federal, state, and local regulations.
  7. Assists with taking inventory counts of food and supplies as required or assigned.
  8. Follows sanitation and safety standards in clean-up and operation of the kitchen and kitchen equipment.
  9. Practices a "clean as you go" policy to keep the work area clean and sanitized.
  10. Reports equipment needing repairs to the foodservice manager.
  11. Reports accidents to the foodservice manager immediately.
  12. Must be familiar with reimbursable meals. Serves food to students and adults in a friendly and appetizing manner, meeting requirements by offering correct portions.
  13. Performs other relevant tasks as may be required.

Resources Used in Performing the Job Include (but are not limited to):
Manual and mechanical kitchen equipment, such as knives, can openers, scales, serving equipment, etc.,, as well as institutional cooking equipment such as mixers, ovens, steamers, dishwashers, etc. Recipes, menus, food production worksheets.
Physical/Cognitive Requirements:
Push, carry, and lift large and heavy items (40lbs.); Ability to bend, twist, and reach and stoop. The entire shift involves walking or standing. Must be able to speak, read, and understand sufficiently to successfully receive/provide information to/from students, supervisors, co-workers, etc.
Environmental Conditions:
The environment may be hot or humid and may also be loud during service. Use of certain kitchen equipment can be hazardous.
Personal Accountability:
  1. Demonstrates reliability as evidenced by attendance records and punctuality.
  2. Properly notifies supervisor and/or designee of absences or tardiness.
  3. Begins and completes work within the allotted time.
  4. Consistently appears in attire appropriate to the work environment.
  5. Demonstrates skill in the use of equipment, including its capabilities, limitations, and appropriate/special applications.
  6. Protects the District's resources through appropriate and careful use of supplies and equipment.
  7. Utilizes appropriate body mechanics to aid in the prevention of muscle strain/injury.

Santa Fe Public Schools does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, medical/genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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