The Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) is a private non-profit organization that provides services in response to the needs of rural, low-income households and communities. MRDC serves as Caroline, Cecil, Harford and Kent Counties’ official Community Action Agency.
The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, appealing, and well-balanced meals and snacks for children enrolled in the Head Start program. This role ensures all food service operations meet federal, state, and local regulations guidelines, while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment. The Cook will assure that MRDC philosophies and priorities are met.
Job Responsibilities:
· Plan, prepare, and serve meals and snacks in accordance with approved menus, portion sizes, and CACFP nutritional requirements.
· Adapt meals for children with food allergies, special diets, or cultural preferences as directed by the Nutrition Coordinator.
· Ensure food is attractive, appetizing, and served at proper temperatures.
· Follow all food safety and hygiene protocols, including proper food storage, preparation, and serving techniques.
· Maintain kitchen, equipment, and storage areas in clean and sanitary condition at all times
· Dispose of food waste safely and appropriately.
· Maintain accurate inventory of food, supplies, and equipment.
· Prepare orders for food and kitchen supplies in coordination with the Center Director or Nutrition Coordinator.
· Rotate stock to ensure freshness and minimize waste.
· Complete required food service records, including menus, production sheets, and temperature logs.
· Follow all USDA, CACFP, and Head Start Program Performance Standards.
· Participate in inspections and audits related to food service.
· Work cooperatively with teachers, aides, and staff to support classroom meal schedules.
· Assist with nutrition education activities as needed.
· Assure that files are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained
· Thinks, concentrates, and positively interacts with others
· Comes to work promptly every day
· Works under stress and meets all deadlines
· OTHER DUTIES: (Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.) Performs related work as required or assigned.
Requirements
Experience:
· High school diploma or GED required; formal culinary training preferred.
· Minimum of 1–2 years’ experience in institutional or quantity cooking (school, childcare, healthcare setting preferred).
Required Skills/Qualifications
· Ability to work independently and within a team environment
· Effective written and oral communication experience
· Relationship building experience
· Valid driver’s license and ability to drive to various MRDC locations throughout the sate
· Demonstrated success in accomplishing tasks as outlined above
· Must pass criminal background check and fingerprinting
· Must pass all Maryland licensing requirements to include medical evaluation and tuberculosis screening
Physical Demands:
· Position requires significant periods of standing, walking, kneeling, sitting on the floor or crouching
· May at times require lifting 25lbs – 50lbs
Benefits
Benefits:
· Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Health Saving Account
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Training & Development
Hourly Rate of Pay: $20.47
Maryland Rural Development Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at