About this role
OPEN UNTIL FILLED. Initial screening of internal applications after 5 days. This is a full time position that will begin with the 2026/27 school year. APPLICATION PROCESS: Current District Regular Employees: Log onto TalentEd/Applicant Tracking as an internal applicant. Submit your interest letter, highlighting your qualifications and interest in this position. External Applicants (including Substitutes and District Coaches):
• Complete an electronic TalentEd/Applicant Tracking application.
• Letter of interest addressed to Jordan Haas, Director of Nutrition Services;
• Current resume;
• Three (3) recent letters of reference.
JOB SUMMARY: The job of “First Cook” is done for the purpose of ordering, preparing, serving and maintaining documentation of food items that meet mandated nutritional requirements as assigned by the manager/supervisor. This position will support the manager/supervisor in tasks related to procurement and inventory of goods and may assist with staff training. This position is also responsible for providing a safe and sanitary work environment along with assisting assigned food service personnel in meeting the above expectations. Transports food and supplies from Westside prep kitchen daily to Hood River Middle School. Requires good attention to detail and communication. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Employees in this classification perform some or all of the following tasks. Essential duties of this position include the following:
• Cleans utensils, equipment, and the storage, food preparation and serving areas for the purpose of maintaining sanitary conditions
• Cooks food, either prepared and/or from scratch for the purpose of meeting projected meal requirements
• Directs assigned personnel, students, workers and/or volunteer for the purpose of assisting the individuals to perform their functions in a safe and efficient manner
• Estimates food preparation amounts for the purpose of meeting projected meal requirements and minimizing waste
• Inspects one or more items of food and/or supplies for the purpose of verifying quantity and specifications of orders and/or complying with mandated health requirements
• Assists with the procurement and inventory of food, equipment and supplies for the purpose of ensuring adequate availability of items
• Prepares documentation for the purpose of providing written support and/or conveying information
• Prepares food and beverage items for the purpose of meeting mandated nutritional requirements and projected meal requirements
• Provides quality customer service for the purpose of treating students and staff in a professional and friendly manner.
• Reports equipment malfunctions for the purpose of maintaining equipment in safe working order Responds to inquiries of students, staff and/or the public for the purpose of providing information and/or direction regarding food items
• Serves one or more items of food for the purpose of meeting mandated nutritional requirements and/or requests of students and school personnel
• Stocks food, condiments, and supplies for the purpose of maintaining adequate quantities and security of items
• Transports food and supplies to satellite locations for the purpose of providing nutritional meals to students at other school sites.
• Trains and directs staff to ensure safe work procedures and a safe work environment.
GENERAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
• Work effectively with and respond to people from diverse cultures or backgrounds.
• Demonstrate professionalism and appropriate judgment in behavior, speech, and dress in a neat, clean and appropriate manner for the assignment and work setting.
• Maintains regular and appropriate attendance and is on time for assignment(s) for the purpose of meeting the needs of the students and the district.
• Confer regularly with immediate supervisor.
• Follow all district policies, work procedures and reasonable requests by proper authority.
• Maintain the integrity of confidential information relating to a student, family, colleague or district patron.
• Develop job skills necessary to meet changes in the position.
• Meet applicable district physical ability/health and safety guidelines for the position. .
Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• One year job related experience in preparation of large quantities of food for a cafeteria setting or related field. Experience working in a commercial kitchen preferred. Will train those who like working in a fast-paced team-oriented environment.
• Obtain and maintain an Oregon Food Handler Permit.
• Prior job related experience in food preparation, serving and basic kitchen activities, with increasing levels of responsibilities, preferably in school and/or instructional setting.
• Skills to perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Operate and care for institutional kitchen equipment.
• Use standard office equipment to include computers and required software programs.
• Knowledge of modern methods of food preparation, health codes and sanitation principles.
• Communicate effectively by interacting with colleagues, community members, students and parents in a respectful and trustworthy manner.
• Good attention to detail, ability to communicate effectively and understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to make sound independent decisions.
• Valid driver's license.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.
Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing Required: If not a current district employee, must pass a pre-employment, post offer drug test, and physical abilities evaluation. Valid Oregon Food Handler Permit; Valid driver's license. Required testing: Any offer of employment made by Hood River County School District to an external candidate is contingent upon satisfactory results of:
• Drug screening tests for any illegal drug or substance classified in Schedules I through V under the Federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 811 to 812. This includes, but is not limited to: marijuana, mind-altering substances or narcotic drugs such as hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, or any other illegal drug or controlled substance, except those federally recognized as legally prescribed by a physician and used as directed.
• Post-offer physical abilities assessment.
• Nationwide criminal history verification - a background check for any convictions directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the position. Unless otherwise required by law, only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the applicant from employment.
• Fingerprint-based nation-wide background clearance.
Compensation: The 2026/27 school year hourly pay range for a First Cook is $18.71 to $21.27. Classified employees who pass the District's Bilingual English/Spanish exam receive a 5% per hour pay increase. HOOD RIVER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Disabled persons may contact Hood River County School District at 541/387-5016 for additional information or assistance. Speech or hearing-impaired persons may contact Hood River County School District for assistance through the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 1-800-735-2900.