Prep Cook, Culinary Team at KIPP — New York, NY

Position Overview

The Prep Cook is an essential member of KIPP NYC's Culinary Team, supporting the preparation and service of fresh, high-quality meals for students and staff each school day. Reporting to the Head Chef or Sous Chef, this role helps prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks for school communities ranging from approximately 350 to 1,350 students and staff, depending on the campus.

The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients, supporting meal production, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, and ensuring all food is prepared in accordance with the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and quality. While previous commercial kitchen experience is preferred, KIPP NYC welcomes candidates who are eager to learn, take pride in their work, and are committed to serving students through healthy, delicious meals.

This role requires a dependable, team-oriented professional who believes that every meal is an opportunity to support student health, learning, and well-being.

This is a full-time, in-person position requiring on-site work five days per week. The role is based at one of our KIPP NYC campuses across the Bronx, Brooklyn, or Manhattan. Your primary work location will be determined by your leadership team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Food Preparation & Meal Service

• Prepare fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, and other menu components in accordance with standardized recipes and production schedules.
• Assist with preparing ingredients and food items for breakfast, lunch, snack service, and special events.
• Portion and serve meals to students and staff while providing a welcoming, respectful, and customer-focused experience.
• Maintain knowledge of menu items, ingredients, allergens, and proper food preparation techniques.
• Support catering events, special meal functions, and other culinary initiatives as assigned.
• Assist in all areas of food production and meal service based on operational needs.

Food Safety & Kitchen Operations

• Maintain assigned workstations in a clean, organized, and sanitary condition throughout the workday.
• Follow all Department of Health (DOH), USDA, HACCP, and KIPP NYC food safety, sanitation, and cleaning procedures.
• Practice proper care, cleaning, and maintenance of kitchen equipment and tools.
• Follow all food handling, storage, labeling, and temperature control procedures.
• Maintain acceptable standards of personal hygiene and adhere to department dress code requirements.
• Report equipment issues, maintenance needs, and safety concerns promptly to the Head Chef or Sous Chef.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the culinary team to ensure efficient meal preparation and service.
• Support kitchen setup, service, cleanup, and daily operational tasks.
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting wherever needed to ensure successful meal service.
• Maintain regular, dependable attendance and contribute to a positive team environment.

Working Conditions

• Regular exposure to temperature variations, moisture, steam, and wet working conditions.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and repetitive hand motions.
• Ability to lift and move supplies, equipment, and food items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to heat from ovens, burners, steam tables, and other commercial kitchen equipment.
• Exposure to cutting and slicing equipment and machinery with moving parts.
• Exposure to moderate to high noise levels during meal preparation and service.
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and follow all kitchen safety procedures.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience working in a commercial kitchen, school nutrition program, restaurant, or food service environment preferred, but not required.
• Fundamental understanding of food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness practices, or willingness to learn.
• Knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment and safe food preparation techniques preferred.
• Food Handler's Certification preferred but not required upon hire.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while maintaining high standards of quality and customer service.
• Strong interpersonal skills that contribute to a collaborative, respectful, and positive work environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently while supporting team goals.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role, including standing for extended periods; carrying, bending, stretching, stooping, pushing, pulling, and lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Resourceful, adaptable, and willing to support all aspects of kitchen operations to ensure high-quality meal service.
• Demonstrates professionalism by modeling KIPP NYC's core values of zest, grit, hope, love, social intelligence, gratitude, and a sense of humor in all interactions with students, families, colleagues, and community members.
• Believes that food is an expression of care and is committed to providing students with fresh, nutritious, and high-quality meals every day.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and continuous improvement by actively seeking and applying constructive feedback.
• Deep commitment to KIPP NYC's mission and belief that every student deserves access to healthy, high-quality meals that support joyful, academically excellent schools.

Compensation & Benefits:

KIPP NYC offers an hourly rate of $18.00 – $20.00. Hourly ranges at KIPP NYC are standardized by role level and function, and individual rates are determined with an equity lens, taking into account years of relevant experience.

• Robust benefits include medical, dental, and vision.
• Generous time off, including 5 school vacation weeks, sick and personal days, and an extended summer break.
• Up to 12 weeks of 100% parental leave.
• Bright Horizon Back-up Child and Elder Care.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance and Short-term/Long-term disability.
• Employee incentives include an 8-week paid Sabbatical after 10 years, annual professional development funds, and tuition reimbursement.