About this role
Title: Cook Work Unit/Location: Dixon Elementary Reports to: Head Cook/ Cafeteria Manager Supervises: N/A
Contract Length: 163 days 4-day week Pay Schedule: Per Cook Salary Schedule Overtime Status: Must be pre-approved
Hours: Per assigned shift Union Status: Union Licensure: Food Handler License
++ General Job Function The School Cook assists with the preparation, cooking, serving, and cleanup of nutritious, appealing, and USDA-compliant meals for students and staff. The position follows USDA, NMED, NMPED, district, and food safety requirements while maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming cafeteria environment. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Prepare breakfast, lunch, snacks, and other menu items according to standardized recipes and district menus.
• Assist with cooking, baking, assembling, portioning, and serving meals in accordance with USDA requirements.
• Maintain proper food temperatures, portion sizes, and meal service procedures.
• Serve students and staff in a courteous and professional manner.
• Maintain accurate meal accountability and participation records as assigned.
• Follow HACCP, food safety, sanitation, and proper food-handling procedures.
• Label, date, store, and rotate food using FIFO procedures.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen areas, equipment, utensils, serving lines, and storage areas.
• Assist with receiving, inspecting, storing, and rotating food and supplies.
• Monitor inventory and report shortages, damaged products, or equipment concerns.
• Safely operate and maintain commercial kitchen equipment.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and welcoming cafeteria environment.
• Follow district safety procedures and report accidents, injuries, and unsafe conditions.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information and comply with FERPA requirements.
• Attend required training and maintain required certifications.
• Support district wellness and nutrition initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Cafeteria Manager, Director of Food Services, Principal, or designee.
Minimum Qualifications
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Current New Mexico Food Handler Certification or ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe.
• Previous institutional, commercial, or school food service experience preferred.
• Ability to follow recipes, menus, written and verbal instructions, and food safety procedures.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and as part of a team.
• Strong customer service, communication, dependability, and organizational skills.
Physical Requirements Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods and frequently bend, reach, lift, push, pull, twist, and perform repetitive hand movements. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and safely work with food products, supplies, and commercial kitchen equipment. Work Environment Work is performed primarily in a school cafeteria and commercial kitchen with exposure to heat, steam, cold storage areas, cleaning chemicals, wet floors, kitchen equipment, and moderate to occasionally high noise levels. Work Schedule and Breaks Work hours are based on the assigned school schedule and district calendar. Employees receive a paid 20-minute break during each workday as scheduled by the Cafeteria Manager or immediate supervisor. Due to the operational requirements of the School Nutrition Program, this position does not receive an unpaid meal period, and employees are not required to clock out for lunch. Employment Requirements Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all district hiring requirements, including background clearance, employment eligibility verification, required pre-employment screenings, and obtaining and maintaining certifications required by law and district policy. Española Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.