Cook

Job Details: Job Location: Bakersfield Union - Bakersfield, CA, Salary Range: $16.90 - $21.00Hourly,  

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:

Cook 

Current as of:

7/2/2026

FLSA Status:

Non Exempt, FT, 10 Month EE

Onsite Position 

Entity:

EPIC/FIELD

Department:

Nutrition 

Reports to:

Nutrition Supervisor

SUMMARY 

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, high-quality meals for students and staff in accordance with school district menus, nutrition guidelines, and food safety standards. This position supports the daily operation of the school kitchen by assisting with food preparation, cooking, serving, cleaning, and maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to the following. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned. 

Prepare and cook breakfast and lunch items according to standardized recipes and production schedules.
Assist with meal service to students and staff while providing courteous customer service.
Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
Maintain proper food temperatures during preparation, holding, and serving.
Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, food preparation areas, serving lines, and dining areas.
Receive, inspect, store, and rotate food and supply deliveries using FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures.
Operate commercial kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
Assist with portion control and accurate meal counts.
Support inventory management by reporting shortages and assisting with stock organization.
Work cooperatively with kitchen staff, corps members, and other staff.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

None

EDUCATION

High school diploma or GED preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:

A valid Food Handler's Permit is required, or the ability to obtain one upon the start of employment. 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to travel as needed/required
Must have reliable transportation

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Basic reading and writing skills
Ability to respond to common inquiries or concerns from customers, employees/coworkers, supervisors, management, and other personnel
Bilingual in Spanish preferred, but not required

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

This position is primarily performed in a commercial kitchen and school cafeteria setting. The employee is regularly exposed to hot ovens, stoves, steam, kitchen equipment, cleaning chemicals, and varying temperatures, including walk-in refrigerators and freezers. The work environment is fast-paced. The employee may be exposed to wet or slippery floors, moderate to high noise levels from kitchen equipment, and frequent interaction with students, staff, and vendors. Strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and health regulations is required at all times. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must be able to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday and frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds. The position requires regular bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and repetitive hand and arm movements while preparing food, operating kitchen equipment, stocking supplies, and maintaining cleanliness. 

 
Qualifications: JOB QUALIFICATIONS /REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Previous institutional, cafeteria, restaurant, or school food service experience preferred.
Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation practices.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.