Culinary Custodian Job at Inside Higher Ed in Lorman

This position is within the School of Education and Psychology in the ASU Learning Center. The incumbent is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks to children enrolled in the Child Development Learning Center (CDLC), maintaining cleanliness and sanitation within the facility, and ensuring that all food is prepared safely, hygienically, and in a timely manner.

Additionally, the incumbent serves as a Research Associate, overseeing the progress of research projects related to food production and ensuring effective information coordination between various department sections. He/she supports and conducts laboratory experiments related to these research projects, following established guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Food Nutrition and meal preparation
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and time management skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Emotional maturity, creativity, and innovation
• Flexibility in receiving assignments or adapting to food program changes
• Cleaning the interior of buildings including floors, carpet, rugs, windows, and walls.

Essential Job Functions

• Prepares breakfast, lunch, snacks, and other meals according to the center’s menu, which follows Mississippi Health Department nutrition guidelines
• Adapts menus to accommodate children with food allergies, dietary restrictions, or special needs
• Ensures portion sizes are appropriate for the age group served.
• Maintains a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment in compliance with local, state, and federal health regulations
• Follows proper food handling, storage, and sanitation procedures to prevent foodborne illnesses
• Monitors and records temperatures of food and kitchen equipment, such as refrigerators and freezers
• Manages kitchen inventory, including ordering, receiving, and storing food and supplies.
• Conducts regular inventory checks and maintains accurate records
• Works within a budget to order ingredients and supplies needed for meal preparation
• Communicates with parents regarding their child’s dietary needs and preferences
• Participates in staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Maintains accurate records of meal production, food inventory, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Assists with any necessary inspections and ensures the kitchen meets all licensing requirements
• Cleans kitchen equipment, utensils, and dishes after meal preparation
• Collects and disposes of trash in the proper manner
• Vacuums, sweeps, and mops floors; washes and cleans windows and mirrors; cleans and maintains restrooms
• Supports research activities related to nutrition, dietary assessments, clinical studies, and/or product innovation
• Assists in the design, coordination, and implementation of nutrition-related studies.
• Prepares ingredients, equipment, and materials needed for cooking demos or nutrition displays
• Provides general administrative support to program staff and researchers as needed
• Supports the development and distribution of educational handouts and materials
• Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in food preparation, preferably in a childcare, school, or institutional setting.
• Knowledge of USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines is a plus.

EEO Statement

Alcorn State University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Alcorn State University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.