Deer Park School District #414

Position:

Head Cook Days:

180-day school year

Shift:

6:00 AM - 2:00 PM Monday -

Friday Location:

Deer Park Middle School Job Summary:

The Head Cook is responsible for overseeing the daily preparation and service of nutritious meals in accordance with federal, state, and local guidelines within Deer Park School District's food service program. This position ensures high standards of food quality, safety, and sanitation while managing kitchen staff, inventory, and meal planning. The Head Cook works closely with food service directors, school administrators, and nutrition guidelines to provide students with balanced meals that support their academic success and overall well-being. Works with third-party management companies to order food and follow USDA guidelines.

Essential Functions :

Prepares food within the established production system as assigned by the menus/recipes provided. Follows established procedures for accurate checking and shipping of meal components to satellite locations if needed. Must be able to follow oral and written directions Stocks, portions, and serves food in a neat and sanitary manner Reports any quality or recipe design issues to the manager Follows established preparations, service methods, and food handling techniques to ensure acceptable standards Follows USDA requirements and reports any issues or compliance concerns to the manager May wash dishes, utensils, pots, and pans and operate a dishwasher Maintains all OSPI and HACCP recording requirements. Prepares food/milk orders and maintains necessary supplies for assigned meals. Completes required monthly inventory. Monitors functioning of the kitchen, reporting issues to the principal and/or manager Maintains a positive, motivating, and caring attitude for students and is able to supervise and work well with those students assigned to the office. Works well within the team environment in individual kitchens, departments, and schools. Minimum Qualifications Food Handler's permit or ability to secure before the start date Strongly prefer previous experience in a school/commercial kitchen Prefer formal cooking training High School Graduate or equivalent Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of basic food handling techniques, safe work practices, and ability to use basic kitchen tools and equipment. Knowledge and support of established standards of sanitation for self, food handling or preparation, kitchen equipment and cafeteria Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work and communicate with students, staff, and third-party management company Ability to follow oral and written directions Demonstrated skill in approaching issues positively and proactively Physical Demands/Working Conditions The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Seldom (less than 10%) Limited (10-30%) Moderate (31-60%) Frequent (61-100%) Lifting up to 50 lbs Standing Sitting Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs Exposure to human-borne pathogens Lifting up to 25 lbs Stooping, bending Repetitive keyboard usage Lift assist over 50 lbs Twisting Kneeling Computer screen viewing Exposure to outside elements After-hours work Pushing/pulling Walking After-hours availability Sitting

TERMS OF

EMPLOYMENT and SALARY:

As outlined by and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) of Public School Employees of Deer Park Association and the Policies and Procedures of Deer Park School District. CBAs and Salary Schedules can be reviewed from the Human Resources page of the Deer Park School District website: https://www.dpsd.org/page/human-resources Deer Park policies and Procedures can be accessed online at https://app.eduportal.com/publicfolders/1111511/list/56713 The 2026-27 base salary range for this position in the Deer Park School District is between $19.72 and $24.90 per hour. Placement is determined by school district experience. Other forms of compensation may be available to the hired applicant in addition to their established salary range or wage scale as defined within the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Benefits:

This position is benefits eligible, including medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D, and flexible spending arrangements in accordance with the state

School Employees Benefits Board:

https://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits/school-employees This position is eligible for retirement: https://www.drs.wa.gov/

Evaluation:

This position is evaluated by the Principal or Assistant Principal Application Requirements Applicants must complete the application online at www.dpsd.org and must include the following: Resume Cover letter Three (3) letters of reference Confidential reference checks (at least 1, including a most recent supervisor) As required by RCW 28A.400.303, school district employees are required to complete a Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks. Newly hired employees are responsible for the completion of the background check prior to hire. Verification of identity and United States Work Authorization must be completed before employment commences. Please contact Suzanne McKibbon at 509-464-5526 if disability accommodation is needed during the application process.

Notice of Nondiscrimination:

Deer Park School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities, including employment, on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to: Civil Rights Title IX Compliance Coordinator Section 504 Coordinator Sam Abrahms Suzanne McKibbon Kirstin Hermann HomeLink Assistant Principal Director of Special Services Assistant Special Service Director 509-468-3308 509-464-5526 509-464-5527 sam.abrams@dpsdmail.org suzanne.mckibbon@dpsdmail.org kristin.hermann@dpsdmail.org Applicants requesting reasonable accommodation in compliance with Federal and state law should contact HR at 509-464-5500 or 509-464-5526