School Cafeteria Cook Jobs
School cafeteria cook jobs are open across K-12 public schools, private schools, and charter schools, at every level from entry-level cook to lead kitchen staff, with specializations in batch cooking, special dietary preparation, and food safety compliance. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find School Cafeteria Cook JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 6+ School Cafeteria Cook jobs
Overview
At Augusta Health, your work matters — and so do you. Whether you're delivering direct patient care, supporting operations, or innovating behind the scenes, every role contributes to our mission of promoting wellness and healing through compassionate service. We offer more than just a job — we offer a purpose-driven career in a nationally recognized, independent health system located in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley.
Learn more about career opportunities on our Careers Page (https://www.augustahealth.com/careers/).
Our team members thrive in a supportive culture that values collaboration, integrity, and excellence. With opportunities across clinical and non-clinical areas, Augusta Health is a place where your skills make a difference, and your growth is a priority.
Why Join Augusta Health?
We believe in taking care of the people who care for our community. That’s why Augusta Health offers a comprehensive and thoughtfully designed benefits package that supports your well-being, career development, and work-life balance. Whether you're launching your career or bringing in years of experience, we provide the tools, resources, and encouragement to help empower you to reach your full potential — personally, professionally, and financially.
Explore our Benefits (https://www.augustahealth.com/careers/benefits/), current Hiring Incentives (https://www.augustahealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sign-On-Bonus-2025-1.pdf), and our Taking Care of Us initiative (https://investinginus.augustahealth.com/taking-care-of-us/#diversity) — which embraces Belonging, Respect, Inclusion, Diversity, Growth, and Equity (B.R.I.D.G.E.) — to see how we invest in our team members and culture.
Total Rewards & Benefits (may vary by position)
- Comprehensive insurance package including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement savings plans and financial wellness support programs
- Earned Wage Access Program, allowing eligible team members to access a portion of earned wages before payday
- Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling to promote work-life balance
- Career development programs including clinical ladders, shared governance, and advancement opportunities
- Personalized onboarding with dedicated preceptors and ongoing educational support
- Tuition reimbursement and access to onsite childcare
- Free onsite parking, 24/7-armed security for your safety, a Health Fitness Reimbursement Program, and an onsite credit union and pharmacy
- Competitive pay with shift/weekend differentials
- Employee discounts at the cafeteria, gift shop, pharmacy, and local entertainment venues (i.e., movie tickets)
Full details are available on our Benefits Page (https://www.augustahealth.com/careers/benefits/).
Job Summary
This position plays a critical role in supporting Augusta Health’s mission and advancing departmental goals through measurable performance indicators and service excellence. This position contributes to a collaborative, patient-centered environment and helps drive outcomes aligned with organizational priorities.
The Retail Cook is responsible for the preparation and service of meals in a retail cafeteria setting, ensuring that food is cooked safely and efficiently while upholding a clean and organized workspace. Collaborates with team members or operates independently to meet all customer needs. Delivering an exceptional customer experience is a top priority, with service provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Strict adherence to the cafeteria menu and compliance with food health and safety regulations are essential. Proficiency in operating a grill, oven, fryer, and oil disposal system is required at all times.
Shifts can flex around a variety of hours weekly - they include:
5am – 1:30pm
6am – 3pm
7am – 3:30
11am – 7:30pm
Every other weekend is a requirement.
Essential Job Duties
- Provides fast, friendly, professional and responsive customer service to all guests.
- Must present with good communication and interpersonal skills
- Prepare and cook a variety of meals in a fast, friendly professional environment for multiple meals.
- Interacts with customers as well as other team members in a positive manner.
- Demonstrates the ability to use and sanitize all necessary food service equipment. Example: Grill, fryers, oven, steam tables, warmers, hot lines, etc.
- Must always follow sanitation standards established by the VDH, and the hospital’s Infection Control Team. Must have the ability to maintain a clean and organized workspace.
- Must properly label, date, and store all food in proper food holding areas.
- Ensures all utensils, equipment and items needed for services are in place prior to each meal period.
- Ensures proper rotation and adherence to the First In, First Out (FIFO) standard.
- Ensures proper temperatures for all food to be served to guests are in required ranges and document temperatures.
- Recipe adherence must always be followed.
Required Qualifications
- Education: High School Diploma, GED or Equivalent
- Licensure/Certification: None
- Experience: A minimum of one year cooking experience.
- Driver's License: N/A
- Eligibility to work in the United States and meet Virginia state employment requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Education: 2 years of cooking experience
- Licensure/Certification: ServSafe
- Experience: Two years of cooking experience
- Prior experience in a hospital, healthcare system, or related service-oriented environment
- Familiarity with Augusta Health’s systems, workflows, or organizational culture is a plus
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Must be competent in the handling of all equipment used in the preparation of food items to customers. (Grills, fryers, steam wells, oven, warmers.)
- Must possess fundamental knowledge of food preparation and cooking techniques as well as but not limited to receiving, storing, preparing, and holding food items.
- Should possess at least basic cooking and serving skills.
- Should possess a comprehensive understanding of all 9 of the major food allergens.
- Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
- Ability to meet consistent and punctual attendance.
- Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
- Skill to use a personal computer and various software packages for mandatory education requirements.
About Augusta Health
Augusta Health is an independent, nonprofit, mission-driven health system located in Fishersville, Virginia, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. We offer a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services, including Augusta Medical Center—a 255-bed facility—and Augusta Medical Group, which operates 40 practice locations and four urgent care centers. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care makes Augusta Health a leading employer and healthcare provider in the region.
Discover more about our history, values, and community impact on our About Us Page (https://www.augustahealth.com/about-us/).
Equal Opportunity Statement
Augusta Health recruits, hires, and promotes qualified candidates for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran or military discharge status, and family medical or genetic information.
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace in accordance with federal and Virginia state employment laws.
Experience
Preferred- Knowledge of basic operation of equipment and cash – handling procedures preferred.
- 0-2 years of related work experience.
Education
Required- High School or better
Skills
Preferred- Required Years of Experience
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
Overview
At Augusta Health, your work matters — and so do you. Whether you're delivering direct patient care, supporting operations, or innovating behind the scenes, every role contributes to our mission of promoting wellness and healing through compassionate service. We offer more than just a job — we offer a purpose-driven career in a nationally recognized, independent health system located in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley.
Learn more about career opportunities on our Careers Page (https://www.augustahealth.com/careers/).
Our team members thrive in a supportive culture that values collaboration, integrity, and excellence. With opportunities across clinical and non-clinical areas, Augusta Health is a place where your skills make a difference, and your growth is a priority.
Why Join Augusta Health?
We believe in taking care of the people who care for our community. That’s why Augusta Health offers a comprehensive and thoughtfully designed benefits package that supports your well-being, career development, and work-life balance. Whether you're launching your career or bringing in years of experience, we provide the tools, resources, and encouragement to help empower you to reach your full potential — personally, professionally, and financially.
Explore our Benefits (https://www.augustahealth.com/careers/benefits/), current Hiring Incentives (https://www.augustahealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sign-On-Bonus-2025-1.pdf), and our Taking Care of Us initiative (https://investinginus.augustahealth.com/taking-care-of-us/#diversity) — which embraces Belonging, Respect, Inclusion, Diversity, Growth, and Equity (B.R.I.D.G.E.) — to see how we invest in our team members and culture.
Total Rewards & Benefits (may vary by position)
- Comprehensive insurance package including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement savings plans and financial wellness support programs
- Earned Wage Access Program, allowing eligible team members to access a portion of earned wages before payday
- Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling to promote work-life balance
- Career development programs including clinical ladders, shared governance, and advancement opportunities
- Personalized onboarding with dedicated preceptors and ongoing educational support
- Tuition reimbursement and access to onsite childcare
- Free onsite parking, 24/7-armed security for your safety, a Health Fitness Reimbursement Program, and an onsite credit union and pharmacy
- Competitive pay with shift/weekend differentials
- Employee discounts at the cafeteria, gift shop, pharmacy, and local entertainment venues (i.e., movie tickets)
Full details are available on our Benefits Page (https://www.augustahealth.com/careers/benefits/).
Job Summary
This position plays a critical role in supporting Augusta Health’s mission and advancing departmental goals through measurable performance indicators and service excellence. This position contributes to a collaborative, patient-centered environment and helps drive outcomes aligned with organizational priorities.
The Retail Cook is responsible for the preparation and service of meals in a retail cafeteria setting, ensuring that food is cooked safely and efficiently while upholding a clean and organized workspace. Collaborates with team members or operates independently to meet all customer needs. Delivering an exceptional customer experience is a top priority, with service provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Strict adherence to the cafeteria menu and compliance with food health and safety regulations are essential. Proficiency in operating a grill, oven, fryer, and oil disposal system is required at all times.
Shifts can flex around a variety of hours weekly - they include:
5am – 1:30pm
6am – 3pm
7am – 3:30
11am – 7:30pm
Every other weekend is a requirement.
Essential Job Duties
- Provides fast, friendly, professional and responsive customer service to all guests.
- Must present with good communication and interpersonal skills
- Prepare and cook a variety of meals in a fast, friendly professional environment for multiple meals.
- Interacts with customers as well as other team members in a positive manner.
- Demonstrates the ability to use and sanitize all necessary food service equipment. Example: Grill, fryers, oven, steam tables, warmers, hot lines, etc.
- Must always follow sanitation standards established by the VDH, and the hospital’s Infection Control Team. Must have the ability to maintain a clean and organized workspace.
- Must properly label, date, and store all food in proper food holding areas.
- Ensures all utensils, equipment and items needed for services are in place prior to each meal period.
- Ensures proper rotation and adherence to the First In, First Out (FIFO) standard.
- Ensures proper temperatures for all food to be served to guests are in required ranges and document temperatures.
- Recipe adherence must always be followed.
Required Qualifications
- Education: High School Diploma, GED or Equivalent
- Licensure/Certification: None
- Experience: A minimum of one year cooking experience.
- Driver's License: N/A
- Eligibility to work in the United States and meet Virginia state employment requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Education: 2 years of cooking experience
- Licensure/Certification: ServSafe
- Experience: Two years of cooking experience
- Prior experience in a hospital, healthcare system, or related service-oriented environment
- Familiarity with Augusta Health’s systems, workflows, or organizational culture is a plus
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Must be competent in the handling of all equipment used in the preparation of food items to customers. (Grills, fryers, steam wells, oven, warmers.)
- Must possess fundamental knowledge of food preparation and cooking techniques as well as but not limited to receiving, storing, preparing, and holding food items.
- Should possess at least basic cooking and serving skills.
- Should possess a comprehensive understanding of all 9 of the major food allergens.
- Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
- Ability to meet consistent and punctual attendance.
- Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
- Skill to use a personal computer and various software packages for mandatory education requirements.
About Augusta Health
Augusta Health is an independent, nonprofit, mission-driven health system located in Fishersville, Virginia, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. We offer a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services, including Augusta Medical Center—a 255-bed facility—and Augusta Medical Group, which operates 40 practice locations and four urgent care centers. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care makes Augusta Health a leading employer and healthcare provider in the region.
Discover more about our history, values, and community impact on our About Us Page (https://www.augustahealth.com/about-us/).
Equal Opportunity Statement
Augusta Health recruits, hires, and promotes qualified candidates for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran or military discharge status, and family medical or genetic information.
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace in accordance with federal and Virginia state employment laws.
Experience
Preferred- Knowledge of basic operation of equipment and cash – handling procedures preferred.
- 0-2 years of related work experience.
Education
Required- High School or better
Skills
Preferred- Required Years of Experience
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 6 School Cafeteria Cook Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find School Cafeteria Cook JobsSchool Cafeteria Cook Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in school cafeteria cook jobs.
- Current ServSafe Food Handler or Food Manager certification
- Experience preparing meals in high-volume institutional or commercial kitchen settings
- Knowledge of USDA National School Lunch Program nutrition and portion standards
- Ability to operate large-scale kitchen equipment such as steam kettles and convection ovens
- Understanding of food allergy protocols and ability to prepare allergen-free meals
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
Tips for Your School Cafeteria Cook Job Search
List your food handler certifications upfront
Hiring managers for school kitchen roles scan for ServSafe or equivalent food handler certification immediately. Put your certification name, issuing body, and expiration date in a dedicated credentials section near the top of your resume, not buried at the bottom.
Highlight high-volume batch cooking experience
School kitchens serve hundreds of meals daily on tight schedules. Quantify the meal counts you've handled, the equipment you've operated, and how you managed prep timelines. Hiring staff want proof you can execute at scale, not just describe general cooking skills.
Target postings that mention USDA meal program compliance
School districts participating in the National School Lunch Program have stricter nutrition and portion requirements. If you have experience following USDA meal pattern guidelines, call it out explicitly in your application. That detail separates you from candidates with only commercial kitchen backgrounds.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists school cafeteria cook openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for a working interview or skills demonstration
Many school districts ask finalists to complete a brief practical assessment, such as preparing a standard recipe or demonstrating proper portion control. Practice your knife skills, temperature logging, and tray line setup before you go in so you're ready to perform under observation.
Follow up with the food services coordinator directly
School kitchen hiring often routes through a district food services director rather than a central HR office. After submitting your application, identify the food services coordinator for the district and send a brief, polite message confirming your interest. It signals initiative and helps your name stand out before the interview stage.
School Cafeteria Cook Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most school cafeteria cooks?
Augusta Health, Omni Hotels, and Peabody Hotels & Resorts are hiring the most school cafeteria cooks right now, with openings concentrated in Alabama, Virginia, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Contract food service management companies that run district-wide school nutrition programs tend to post the highest volume of openings consistently.
How do you become a school cafeteria cook?
Start by earning a food handler or food manager certification such as ServSafe, which most school districts require before you can work in a kitchen. Gain experience in any high-volume cooking environment, such as a hospital cafeteria, university dining hall, or catering operation. Then apply directly to school district food services departments or the contract management companies that run school nutrition programs.
Can you get a school cafeteria cook job with little or no experience?
Yes, many school districts hire entry-level kitchen staff and provide on-the-job training. Having a current food handler certification, a clean background check, and any experience cooking in a home or volunteer setting strengthens your application. Starting as a kitchen aide or cafeteria assistant is a common path into a full cook position within the same district.
What does the school cafeteria cook interview process look like?
The process typically begins with a phone or in-person screening by the district's food services coordinator or HR department, covering your certifications and availability. A second interview or working assessment may ask you to demonstrate food prep, portioning, or tray line procedures. Final candidates usually complete a background check and tuberculosis screening before receiving an offer.
Where can I find and apply to school cafeteria cook jobs?
You can find and apply to school cafeteria cook jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your certifications, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 6 School Cafeteria Cook Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find School Cafeteria Cook Jobs