Mississippi State University
Overview
Apply now. Position: Full-Time 12-Month, Job no: 509742. Department: 012102 - Human Sciences- Early Childhood. Location: Hancock County. Categories: Support Staff, Head Start Positions. Position Open Date: Sep 8 2025. Anticipated Appointment Date: October 2025. Area of Specialization: MSU Extension Head Start Programs - Hancock County. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Assistant Cook assists in the implementation of food services in a Head Start/Early Head Start program serving children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Responsibilities include preparing attractive, USDA-approved meals; keeping the kitchen clean and sanitary according to Health Department ordinances; and maintaining adequate food stocks, kitchen supplies, and food service records. Nutritious Cooking: Prepares nutritious meals that consider children’s cultures and individual nutritional needs. Uses child nutritional needs and age-specific portion sizes to prepare meals in accordance with USDA guidelines. Follows health, safety, food handling, and sanitation requirements before, during, and after meal preparation. Follows menu guidelines and adjusts when necessary due to availability or individual needs. Prepare assigned menu and participate in family-style meals with children, volunteers, and staff. Monitor family-style dining in classrooms and document as appropriate. Maintain food service records and complete weekly food and supplies order sheets; fax to Headquarters. Check food deliveries for accuracy and quality; notify Headquarters of missing or poor-quality items. Store food and supplies properly; date all canned, boxed, and bagged foods; use FIFO inventory method. Monitor and maintain proper food temperatures and temperatures of refrigerators and freezers. Maintain cleanliness of kitchen materials and supplies; be aware of center food allergies and concerns; prepare alternate menus as needed. Assist in delivering food to classrooms and handling dirty dishes from classrooms. Perform other duties as assigned (Non-Essential Duties). Minimum Qualifications
Education: High School diploma or GED. Experience: Two (2) years' experience in purchasing and preparing culturally diverse foods for groups. Substitution: An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered. Licensures: Valid Driver’s License and ability to travel as required. Background check required. ServSafe Certification or obtain within 3 months. Preferred Qualifications
ServSafe Certification. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of early childhood nutrition. Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Effective verbal and written communication. Computer literacy, especially Excel and basic data systems in MS Office and internet navigation. Honesty, dependability, and ability to meet deadlines. Self-motivated and able to work independently. Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Physical: A physical exam is required. Ability to stand, walk, and bend periodically. Repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement; close visual work; ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Environment: Noise level moderate to occasionally loud. Standard office equipment and potential motor vehicle operation. How to Apply
All applicants MUST apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered. Required documents: Cover Letter, Resume, and contact information for at least three professional references. Screening Date
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding. EEO Statement
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance.
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Apply now. Position: Full-Time 12-Month, Job no: 509742. Department: 012102 - Human Sciences- Early Childhood. Location: Hancock County. Categories: Support Staff, Head Start Positions. Position Open Date: Sep 8 2025. Anticipated Appointment Date: October 2025. Area of Specialization: MSU Extension Head Start Programs - Hancock County. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Assistant Cook assists in the implementation of food services in a Head Start/Early Head Start program serving children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Responsibilities include preparing attractive, USDA-approved meals; keeping the kitchen clean and sanitary according to Health Department ordinances; and maintaining adequate food stocks, kitchen supplies, and food service records. Nutritious Cooking: Prepares nutritious meals that consider children’s cultures and individual nutritional needs. Uses child nutritional needs and age-specific portion sizes to prepare meals in accordance with USDA guidelines. Follows health, safety, food handling, and sanitation requirements before, during, and after meal preparation. Follows menu guidelines and adjusts when necessary due to availability or individual needs. Prepare assigned menu and participate in family-style meals with children, volunteers, and staff. Monitor family-style dining in classrooms and document as appropriate. Maintain food service records and complete weekly food and supplies order sheets; fax to Headquarters. Check food deliveries for accuracy and quality; notify Headquarters of missing or poor-quality items. Store food and supplies properly; date all canned, boxed, and bagged foods; use FIFO inventory method. Monitor and maintain proper food temperatures and temperatures of refrigerators and freezers. Maintain cleanliness of kitchen materials and supplies; be aware of center food allergies and concerns; prepare alternate menus as needed. Assist in delivering food to classrooms and handling dirty dishes from classrooms. Perform other duties as assigned (Non-Essential Duties). Minimum Qualifications
Education: High School diploma or GED. Experience: Two (2) years' experience in purchasing and preparing culturally diverse foods for groups. Substitution: An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered. Licensures: Valid Driver’s License and ability to travel as required. Background check required. ServSafe Certification or obtain within 3 months. Preferred Qualifications
ServSafe Certification. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of early childhood nutrition. Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Effective verbal and written communication. Computer literacy, especially Excel and basic data systems in MS Office and internet navigation. Honesty, dependability, and ability to meet deadlines. Self-motivated and able to work independently. Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Physical: A physical exam is required. Ability to stand, walk, and bend periodically. Repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement; close visual work; ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Environment: Noise level moderate to occasionally loud. Standard office equipment and potential motor vehicle operation. How to Apply
All applicants MUST apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered. Required documents: Cover Letter, Resume, and contact information for at least three professional references. Screening Date
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding. EEO Statement
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance.
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