Lead Cook

Company: North Bay Children
Location: Novato
Posted on: January 4, 2026

Job Description:

Who We Are: For over 30 years North Bay Children’s Center (NBCC) has helped thousands of families give their kids the very best start during the most critical and formative years of development. Our program provides affordable childcare and the highest quality educational opportunities that give children a learning foundation for a lifetime of success. It is NBCC’s mission to ensure all children, particularly our most vulnerable, leave preschool with the tools needed to succeed. Learn more about us at www.nbcc.net. Position Summary: The Lead Cook position is required to possess or have the ability to possess a “ServSafe” Certification and at least 1-2 year of cooking experience w/children is required. Responsibilities will include but will not be limited to the following: Maintain sanitary standards and practices for the kitchen daily.Deliver and pick-up food to and from classrooms, clean, wash and sanitize classroom dishes. Fill food and general kitchen work orders and maintain supplies for Kitchen. General cleaning, sanitizing and upkeep of kitchen, appliances and utensils. The Kitchen Manager directly supervises the Lead Cook. In accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act, the position is non-exempt, meaning the position is subject to overtime compensation. Appropriate dress that is comfortable and non-restrictive must be worn. (professional kitchen attire, no open toe shoes). This position is a central position for the Brayton Campus team at NBCC. The Cook must have strong organizational and communication skills and the ability to work with a number of colleagues both internally (Programs Personnel & Enrollment and Development Departments and administration) as well as externally (State, County, and School District Employees). Must have 1 - 2 years of verified cooking experience in cooking for Children- REQUIRED Key Responsibilities: · General Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn and follow CACFP meal pattern requirements. · Maintains Detailed knowledge of servicing sizes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-ae children. · Maintains Accurate records of menus, meal counts, and food purchases for reimbursement and audit purposes. · Assist in the preparation and service of all meals and snacks in accordance with the regulatory requirements of the CACFP. (Child and Adult Care Food Program). · Demonstrate proficiency in food preparation skills and techniques appropriate to food service operation. · Communicate clearly and effectively with follow kitchen staff to coordinate meal prep and timing. · Provide guidance and directions to promote teamwork and efficiency during busy meal service periods. · Understand general nutrition and CACFP meal patterns. · Maintain the kitchen in an organized, clean and sanitary manner. · Attend all scheduled NBCC Staff Development Days as well as any other NBCC events deemed appropriate or mandated. · Participating in sessions is deemed beneficial to the Department’s goals and personal professional goals. · Educate children, adults, and staff about healthy eating habits and the importance of balanced nutrition. · Provide training and technical support to staff or providers on CACFP requirements, nutrition education, and best practices for meal service. · Conduct and/or participate in site visits and internal reviews to verify adherence to CACFP Policies. · Demonstrate the ability to work as a team member with respect, trust and professionalism with all co-workers, at all times. · Adhere to all NBCC policies and procedures as mandated by the CPO and in accordance with NBCC’s Employee Handbook. · Promptly direct any relevant feedback (positive or negative issues) to the Kitchen Manager, Site Supervisor or Area Director. · A desire to gain new skills and knowledge to enhance performance. · Basic math skills, including the use of fractions and the ability to calculate food quantities for large groups of children. · Willingness and ability to assist with nearby food delivery using a personal vehicle. · Strong time management and organizational skills to ensure meals are prepared and served on schedule. · Physical ability to lift and carry food supplies and stand for extended periods. · Understanding of special dietary needs and food allergies, with ability to adjust meals accordingly. · Familiarity with safe food handling practices, including sanitation, storage, and temperature control. · Collaborate with staff to navigate food restrictions, including substitutions for allergies, intolerances, and special dietary requests. · Ensure all food served to children with restrictions complies with documented dietary accommodation and is clearly labeled and separated to prevent cross-contamination. Education, Experience & Essential Duties: · High school diploma or equivalent. · Proven experience (typically 2 years) in cooking & food prep. · Strong knowledge of Kitchen systems & equipment. · Ability to read and interpret instructions and recipes. · Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. · Ability to work independently and as part of a team. · Good communication skills to interact with staff, vendors, and management. · Physical ability to perform manual labor, including lifting, pushing carts, and working in confined spaces. · Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, if required. · You must possess a valid California Driver’s License and hold the proper automobile insurance as required by law. · Must have a solutions-first approach and a capacity to come to the table with a diverse set of ideas for how to accomplish the goal. · Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business documents. · Strong written and verbal communication skills that are effective at all levels of the organization. Bi-lingual a plus. · Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload. · Must possess a valid California Driver’s License, auto insurance and reliable transportation. · Must have a criminal background check clearance with Guardian. · Frequent to occasional stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 50 pounds. · Occasionally to rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat/knee and never crawls. · Proactively identify and communicate issues at the Brayton Campus. · Attend regular team meetings and meet with others in the NBCC organization as needed. · Maintains strict confidentiality with all NBCC information. · Performs other assignments as requested. Physical Requirements · Constantly perform desk and computer-based tasks. · Frequent to occasional stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 50 pounds. · Occasionally to rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat/knee and never crawls Human Resources: · Employee Rights (see Employee Handbook). · Health screening as required in section 101216(g) · Tuberculosis test & document as specified in section 101216(g). · Criminal Record Clerance and/or criminal records exemption (DOJ, CACI & FBI). · Valid Driver’s License (if transporting children). · Child Abuse Managed Reporter Training (online). · Employee Rights (Lic 9052). · Proof of Immunizations for MMR, Tdap & Flu. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is a professional office environment with moderate noise levels (examples: computers and printers, light traffic, kitchen equipment, gas stove, commercial refrigeration) Compensation details: 27-29.81 Hourly Wage PIf16c59507465-25448-39235834

Keywords: North Bay Children, Novato , Lead Cook, Hospitality & Tourism , Novato, California