Position Summary:
The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities to a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. The Pierce College District is committed to being an anti-racist institution; to truly be anti-racist we must work deliberately to eliminate barriers that have prevented the most promising and capable students from entering and thriving in college. We work to ensure that every student in the Pierce College District feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their goals. We provide a brave space for Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ/QTPOC students, students with disabilities, and all students and staff to seek refuge, and an opportunity for them to cultivate their strengths, intelligence, resilience, and creativity.
The Child Development Center serves breakfast, lunch and a snack each day, which are all made or supervised by our Lead Cook at our on-site kitchens. Using the freshest, least-processed ingredients possible, we provide balanced meals with an emphasis on helping children establish lifelong habits of enjoying nutritious foods and making healthy food choices. We provide for special diets as prescribed by medical personnel or that meet cultural/religious dietary restrictions. We are looking for a dynamic leader who will take pride in their work, enjoys working with children, and shares our passion and philosophy surrounding food.
This position actively supports and engages in Pierce College’s goals for equity and inclusion in order to provide access and support for our diverse community of learners and our goal of becoming an anti-racist institution. This is a District position that requires frequent travel between our Puyallup and Fort Steilacoom campuses and reports to the Director of Child Development Centers.
Essential Functions:
Kitchen Management
Mentor and train part-time, hourly, and work study staff on proper food handling techniques,meal preparation and cleaning standards.
Plan, assign, and review work of assigned staff.
Provide and recommend training and instruction on policies and procedures that relate to thekitchens in the child development centers.
Create meal plans for child development centers ensuring USDA, Head Start and Early HeadStart guidelines are met.
Maintain accurate menu production records, meal counts, and any other food substitutions or changes.
Determine food quantity.
Plan substitutions for food allergies.
Monitor food temperatures.
Conduct daily inventory on food items.
Order necessary items to ensure daily food needs are met.
Lead and participate in the cleaning of kitchen equipment, sanitation, elimination of safetyhazards and proper use of food service equipment.
Provide feedback to the District Director of the Child Development Centers.
Meal Preparation
Prepare and cook meals daily for up to 120 children according to USDA food standards.
Prepare and implement weekly menu plans ensuring USDA guidelines.
Prepare meals using the least processed ingredients possible, using organic ingredients and "from scratch" ingredients as much as possible.
Basic understanding of healthy food choices for children.
Use the USDA guidelines to measure, record, and serve breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack according to age group.
Operate various types of kitchen equipment and utensils including mixer, dishwasher, electric warmer, griddle, and oven.
Nutrition
Work with classroom teachers, families and children regarding nutrition.
Provide in-class education and cooking demonstrations on food processing and healthy food choices.
Work with center staff on food programs.
Department Support
Participate in staff meetings and in-service training.
Required Education:
GED or High School Diploma
Required Experience:
One year of experience cooking for large groups in a restaurant, catering, school or military facility.
Experience supervising staff.
Required Competencies: Knowledge, skills, abilities, traits and characteristics:
Job Knowledge
Knowledge of USDA food standards for early care program.\
Accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work.
Strong organizational skills including: prioritizing, tracking work in progress, ensuring accuracy, multitasking, flexibility, and handling interruptions appropriately.
Communication
Strong written and oral communications skills.
Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to place a high priority on professional excellence and manage stress appropriately.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Ability to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and honesty and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work effectively and productively with others, making the team and college mission and outcomes a priority.
Equity-Minded
Work effectively and positively with individuals of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and educationally diverse populations.
Ability to work in a diverse culture that is committed to building an anti-racist institution and dismantling barriers for marginalized and minoritized individuals.
Ability to understand the uniqueness of self and others and demonstrate openness toward diverse points of view.
Ability to effectively identify systemic inequities affecting colleagues and students.
Works to remove barriers to workplace wellness and student success.
Engage in healing-centered practices to reduce further harm to historically marginalized groups; engage in cultural humility through listening, observing, valuing/validating, embracing/empowering (LOVE) others.
Seek inclusion through invitation and welcome, recognizes the impact of own identities, and amplify voices often not heard or acknowledged.
Application Process:
To be considered for this position, applicants must:
Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
Complete the online application profile and apply for the specific job opening at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr
Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience.(Résumé)
Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to submit copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: www.naces.org/members.html (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
Upload (attach) a list of at least three professional references with names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)
Provide a response to the following question: (Supplemental Question) "Please describe any ideas you have for creating an environment where all students feel welcome and valued" Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.
Special Note: To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.