Lead Cook at Taft College

Lead Cook Priority Application Deadline May 15, 2026. Position will remain open until filled. Taft College is more than a place to work-it's a community committed to making a difference. Nestled in California's Central Valley, we pride ourselves on fostering student success, supporting one another, and creating opportunities that change lives. Our collaborative culture and dedication to excellence make Taft College a place where employees and students thrive together. The Lead Cook plays a key role in supporting campus dining operations by leading food preparation and service in a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment. This position is responsible for planning and preparing meals, guiding kitchen staff and student workers, and ensuring high standards of food quality, sanitation, and customer service. The Lead Cook contributes to a positive dining experience for students, staff, and guests while supporting the overall operation of the college food service program. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: The following duties are typical of those performed by employees in this job title, however, employees may perform other related duties not listed and not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each employee. Responsible for the preparation of meals in the college food service program or the Children's Center. Responsible for training and guiding assigned kitchen staff and student workers in food preparation, food delivery, storage, and sanitation procedures. Responsible to supply and replenish the serving line. Checks worksheet on the bulletin board prior to commencing food preparation. Prepares food as directed using recipes or oral instructions. Responsible for cleaning work area including shelves, refrigerators and freezers; participate in the thorough cleanup of kitchen quickly and effectively to assure cleanliness. Follows sanitary and safety standards in food preparation. Submits orders to suppliers in absence of supervisor. Ensures frozen foods are stored and handled correctly. Responsible for maintaining, cleaning and sanitizing kitchen area. Assists in record keeping. Follows all mandated regulations for assigned food service area. May assist students or faculty in the college food service or Children's Center in serving meals and following sanitary procedures for food handling. May provides direction to cooks for scheduling of special events. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge of: Basic English adequate to understand assignments and simple menu design General food service standard recipes and practices. College food service inventory procedures. Food service equipment uses and procedures. Sanitation and kitchen safety procedures. Use and secure prescribed chemicals and detergents. Record keeping procedures. State Guidelines from the California Child and Adult Care Food Program. Development of grocery lists and shopping. College security procedures. College food service event procedures. Ability to: Learn, understand and explain all applicable laws, rules and processes. Use a computer for preparing menus and ordering food. Communicate effectively with children and adults. Follow directions. Prepare meals to meet time schedule. Read and understand basic menus and assignments. Perform routine repetitive work. Assist in directing staff and student workers. WORKING CONDITIONS: Physical Requirements: Ability to work at a desk, a conference table, or in meetings of various configurations. Ability to stand and circulate for extended periods of time. Ability to see for purposes of reading laws, codes, rules, policies, other printed matter, and observing students. Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels. Ability to communicate so others will be able to clearly understand a normal conversation. Ability to bend and twist, run and jump. Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. Ability to reach in all directions. Reasonable accommodations will be made for candidates with physical disabilities. Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of experience in food preparation for adults, including preparing, ordering and servicing. Pr experience in a lead capacity. ServSafe Food Handler Certification (must present prior to start date) Desirable Qualifications: Bilingual, Spanish Environment: Work is generally performed in an institutional kitchen and dining facility but may also visit classrooms and attend meetings and training offsite. May work with children or developmentally disabled adults. Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time, 12-month per year position with fantastic benefits! At the West Kern Community College District, you'll enjoy a comprehensive fringe benefits package, including District-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents. We also offer a generous vacation plan to help you recharge. In addition, you'll be eligible to participate in the CalPERS or CalSTRS retirement systems, with the option to enhance your retirement savings through 457b and 403b optional retirement plans. This is an incredible opportunity to secure both your present and future while working with a dynamic team! This position is Grade 14 on the Classified Salary Schedule, with a starting hourly range of $22.74-$26.31 per hour. Ready to jump in? Follow these simple steps to submit your application: Completed your online application and submit through Resume and Cover Letter Transcripts for all degrees listed, Unofficial are acceptable at this time. Provide contact information for three professional references, including your most recent supervisor. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept letters of reference. Next Steps: Thank you for your interest in joining our team! After the closing date, all applications will be carefully reviewed and evaluated based on minimum qualifications and relevant experience. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly for an interview. We look forward to learning more about how you can contribute to our mission and make an impact at Taft College! Equal Employment Opportunity: The West Kern Community College District is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity . The District is dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination and, as such, is an equal opportunity employer. Veterans, women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. This employer participates in E-Verify. Lead Cook Priority Application Deadline May 15, 2026. Position will remain open until filled. Taft College is more than a place to work-it's a community committed to making a difference. Nestled in California's Central Valley, we pride ourselves on fostering student success, supporting one another, and creating opportunities that change lives. Our collaborative culture and dedication to excellence make Taft College a place where employees and students thrive together. The Lead Cook plays a key role in supporting campus dining operations by leading food preparation and service in a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment. This position is responsible for planning and preparing meals, guiding kitchen staff and student workers, and ensuring high standards of food quality, sanitation, and customer service. The Lead Cook contributes to a positive dining experience for students, staff, and guests while supporting the overall operation of the college food service program. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: The following duties are typical of those performed by employees in this job title, however, employees may perform other related duties not listed and not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each employee. Responsible for the preparation of meals in the college food service program or the Children's Center. Responsible for training and guiding assigned kitchen staff and student workers in food preparation, food delivery, storage, and sanitation procedures. Responsible to supply and replenish the serving line. Checks worksheet on the bulletin board prior to commencing food preparation. Prepares food as directed using recipes or oral instructions. Responsible for cleaning work area including shelves, refrigerators and freezers; participate in the thorough cleanup of kitchen quickly and effectively to assure cleanliness. Follows sanitary and safety standards in food preparation. Submits orders to suppliers in absence of supervisor. Ensures frozen foods are stored and handled correctly. Responsible for maintaining, cleaning and sanitizing kitchen area. Assists in record keeping. Follows all mandated regulations for assigned food service area. May assist students or faculty in the college food service or Children's Center in serving meals and following sanitary procedures for food handling. May provides direction to cooks for scheduling of special events. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge of: Basic English adequate to understand assignments and simple menu design General food service standard recipes and practices. College food service inventory procedures. Food service equipment uses and procedures. Sanitation and kitchen safety procedures. Use and secure prescribed chemicals and detergents. Record keeping procedures. State Guidelines from the California Child and Adult Care Food Program. Development of grocery lists and shopping. College security procedures. College food service event procedures. Ability to: Learn, understand and explain all applicable laws, rules and processes. Use a computer for preparing menus and ordering food. Communicate effectively with children and adults. Follow directions. Prepare meals to meet time schedule. Read and understand basic menus and assignments. Perform routine repetitive work. Assist in directing staff and student workers. WORKING CONDITIONS: Physical Requirements: Ability to work at a desk, a conference table, or in meetings of various configurations . click apply for full job details