District Chef – K-12 Child Nutrition

Position Title: District Chef – K-12 Child Nutrition

Department: Child Nutrition Services
Work Schedule: Overnight | 7:30 PM – 3:30 AM
Location: District-Wide
Salary: $55,000 annually

Position Summary

The District Chef for K-12 Child Nutrition is responsible for overseeing and executing large-scale food production to support daily meal service across the school district. This overnight position plays a critical role in ensuring nutritious, high-quality meals are prepared efficiently and safely for students. The District Chef works closely with Child Nutrition leadership to maintain compliance with USDA regulations while enhancing menu quality, consistency, and operational efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee overnight preparation and production of meals for district-wide school sites

• Ensure compliance with USDA, state, and local child nutrition program regulations

• Implement standardized recipes, portion control, and production schedules

• Maintain high standards for food quality, taste, presentation, and nutritional value

• Supervise and coordinate kitchen staff during overnight operations

• Enforce food safety, sanitation, and HACCP procedures at all times

• Manage inventory, ordering, receiving, and proper storage of food and supplies

• Collaborate with Child Nutrition administrators on menu planning and operational improvements

• Train and support staff on culinary techniques, equipment use, and production standards

• Monitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance or replacement needs

• Ensure timely completion of production to support morning meal distribution

Minimum Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in high-volume food production

• Experience in K-12, institutional, or large-scale food service preferred

• Knowledge of USDA meal patterns, child nutrition regulations, and food safety standards

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills

• Ability to work a consistent overnight schedule (7:30 PM – 3:30 AM)

• ServSafe Certification required or ability to obtain upon hire

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods

• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds

• Ability to work in a commercial kitchen environment with exposure to heat, cold, and kitchen equipment

Benefits

• Annual salary of $70,000

• Comprehensive district benefits package

• Stable, year-round employment

• Retirement plan options