Child Care Center Cook

Boone, North Carolina

Appalachian State
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Position Summary Information
Classification Title
Food Services Technician-ASU

Working Title
Child Care Center Cook

Location
Boone, NC

Job Category
8

Position Number
067791

Department
Lucy Brock Child Dev Lab Prog - 260820

Minimum Qualifications
Experience in food preparation or service activities in a commercial kitchen; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

License/Certification Required

Essential Job Functions
The Lucy Brock Child Development Laboratory Program is a full-day North Carolina licensed program that serves approximately 46 children from birth through five years of age.
At Lucy Brock, we are dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of young children through a supportive and engaging learning environment. We believe that healthy, nutritious meals are a key component of a child's well-being and learning experience. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Cook to join our team and contribute to the daily health and happiness of our students.
The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, balanced meals and snacks for children. This role involves planning menus, managing kitchen supplies, and ensuring that all food safety and hygiene standards are met. The ideal candidate will have experience in child-friendly meal preparation and a genuine interest in supporting early childhood development through healthy eating.

Job Duties & Responsibilities
  • Develop monthly menus that include a variety of healthy, age-appropriate foods, taking into consideration childcare nutrition guidelines, allergies, and/or dietary restrictions.
  • Plan and prepare breakfast, lunch, and snack for children each day. This includes large scale cooking and/or baking of a wide variety of food products.
  • Plan cooking times for various food items in order to complete all aspects of the meal at the appropriate serving time and temperature.
  • Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations. Monitor food storage, handling, and preparation to prevent contamination.
  • Efficiently wash and sanitize dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment to maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen environment.
  • Plan and execute food purchasing plans that meet budgetary requirements.
  • Manage the kitchen inventory, which includes ordering and storing food and supplies. Track inventory levels and submit food purchase orders in a timely manner. Some shopping may be required to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Maintain records of menu plans, food purchases, and meal counts as required by licensing regulations and organizational policies.
  • Engage in sustainable food practices and seek out partnerships with local food systems.
  • Communicate positively, effectively, and regularly with children and families.
  • Coordinate and work with nutrition interns from the Beaver College of Health Sciences.
  • Follow a plan for professional development and demonstrate evidence of growth.
  • Respect the confidentiality of records and information regarding children, families, and teachers in accordance with accepted professional ethics and state and federal laws.
  • Share responsibility during the school day for the supervision of children in areas of the school.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
  • Strong understanding of nutrition and dietary needs for young children
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills
  • Familiarity with food safety standards and practices
  • A passion for working with young children
  • Ability to adapt to changing needs and handle multiple tasks
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience in a commercial kitchen or food service environment, preferably in a childcare or educational setting
  • Familiarity with food safety standards and practices
  • Experience in child-friendly meal preparation
  • A displayed interest in supporting early childhood development through healthy eating

Type of Position
Permanent Full-Time

Staff/Non-Faculty
Staff/Non-Faculty

Appointment Type
1.0

Work Schedule/Hours
Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:30pm

Number of Hours Per Week
40

Number of Months Per Year
12

Mandatory Staff
No

Physical Demands of Position
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Overall Competency Level
Journey

Salary Grade Equivalency
GN02

Salary Range

Anticipated Hiring Range
$35,845

Required Functional Competencies to Successfully Perform Job Duties.
Communication:
  • Communicates information to individuals or groups including supervisors and co-workers/customers.
  • Listens and responds appropriately to messages from others.
  • Develops written information as needed to individuals or groups to ensure that they understand the message.
  • Delegates to assistants and students with clear and concise instructions.
  • Works with teachers and community agencies to plan menus.
  • Comparison shops and be creative in planning and meal execution
Safety and Health Compliance:
  • Practices good personal hygiene by coming to work clean, no body odor, appropriate hair restraint, clean shaven or beard/mustache no longer than 1/8 inch, no nail polish, jewelry must follow guidelines.
  • Hands washed, sanitary gloves worn/changed, and food handled according to state health laws.
  • Foods stored according to state health laws by keeping hot foods above 145 degrees F and cold foods below 45 degrees F with raw meats stored below cooked meats daily.
  • Properly labels all foods including leftovers to indicate dates and cooking methods.
  • Clean work area maintained by removing dirt/dust/stains, wiping up spills quickly.
  • Storing and labeling cleaning supplies appropriately.
  • Maintain and foster a clean and sanitary food service area.
  • Follow sanitation guidelines and implement routines and schedules that support the implementation of a high quality food preparation program.
Customer Service:
  • Responds to requests from fellow employees promptly and courteously.
  • In order to achieve excellent customer service in our units there are positive behaviors that we want to demonstrate such as good eye contact, positive image, as well as friendly and prompt service. There are also behaviors that we do not want to demonstrate such as eating, drinking, reading, excessive talking, cell phone usage, or using tobacco products while not on your scheduled break.
  • Attentive to duties.
  • Routine complaints handled according to guidelines.
  • Information about foods and preparation techniques offered to customers.
  • Correct and precise explanations / directions offered to customers as required.

Pay will be commensurate with applicant competencies, budget, equity and market considerations.
Posting Details Information
Posting Date
04/23/2025

Closing Date
05/04/2025

Competency Level Statement
Management will only consider applicants who meet the required competencies.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include the following in your application:
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • List of three professional references with contact information

Any offer of employment to a successful candidate will be conditioned upon the University's receipt of a criminal background check, to ensure a safe learning and work environment for our students, staff, and faculty.

Search Chair Name
Dr. Andrea Anderson

Search Chair Email

Applicant Pool Preference
External (Post on the Web)

Departmental Information
Quick Link

Posting Number
P
Date Posted: 24 April 2025
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