Monday–Friday
Approximately 30–35 hours per week
Daily work schedule will vary based on meal preparation, purchasing, inventory, and school activities. Lunch service must begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. for Preschool and continue according to the school’s lunch schedule. All lunches must be prepared, served, and distributed by 12:45 p.m.
St. Bernard Catholic School serves as a vital component of the multicultural St. Bernard Parish community. We believe we are called by God to continue the mission of Jesus Christ by nurturing and developing each child’s unique talents. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to making Christ visible through our daily actions by respecting all people, serving as positive examples, and sharing responsibility for the needs of others.
St. Bernard Catholic School is seeking a dependable, organized, and service-oriented School Lunch Cook & Kitchen Coordinator to oversee all aspects of the school’s lunch program.
This individual is responsible for planning nutritious meals, purchasing food and supplies, preparing fresh meals daily, maintaining a safe and sanitary commercial kitchen, collecting lunch payments, and ensuring compliance with all health department regulations.
The Lunch Cook & Kitchen Coordinator is a school employee and is expected to uphold the mission, policies, procedures, and professional standards of St. Bernard Catholic School and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Meal Planning & Food Preparation
- Prepare fresh, nutritious lunches for Preschool through 8th Grade students each school day.
- Work collaboratively with the school office to develop monthly lunch calendars and menus.
- Plan balanced meals that meet school nutrition expectations and student preferences.
- Prepare meals efficiently so lunch service begins promptly at 11:30 a.m. for Preschool.
- Follow the school’s lunch schedule to ensure all students are served by 12:45 p.m.
- Prepare food in accordance with all health and food safety regulations.
- Ensure food is properly stored, labeled, and served at appropriate temperatures.
- Accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions as directed by school administration.
Purchasing & Inventory
- Purchase food, beverages, paper goods, cleaning supplies, and kitchen necessities.
- Maintain an organized inventory of food and supplies.
- Monitor inventory levels and order supplies before shortages occur.
- Compare pricing and purchase products in a cost-effective manner while maintaining quality.
- Track purchases and submit receipts and documentation according to school purchasing procedures.
- Minimize food waste through careful planning and inventory management.
Kitchen Operations
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen at all times.
- Wash dishes, utensils, cookware, and food preparation equipment daily.
- Clean and sanitize food preparation areas, refrigerators, freezers, ovens, serving stations, and storage areas.
- Properly dispose of trash and recycling.
- Maintain all kitchen equipment in safe working condition and notify administration of maintenance needs.
- Open and close the kitchen according to established procedures.
Health & Safety Compliance
- Ensure the kitchen consistently meets all local and state health department regulations.
- Maintain kitchen sanitation standards necessary to successfully pass all health inspections.
- Follow proper food handling, storage, cooking, cooling, cleaning, and sanitation procedures.
- Maintain all required food safety records and documentation.
- Hold a valid California Food Handler Card or Food Manager Certification, or obtain the required certification within the timeframe established by the school.
Financial Responsibilities
- Collect daily lunch payments from students and families.
- Issue receipts for all lunch payments received.
- Maintain accurate records of lunch sales and deposits.
- Reconcile daily collections and submit funds according to school accounting procedures.
- Work collaboratively with the school office regarding lunch accounts and financial records.
Collaboration
- Work closely with the principal, office staff, teachers, and preschool staff regarding lunch schedules and special events.
- Communicate menu changes or supply shortages promptly.
- Support school activities requiring food service as assigned.
- Maintain positive, respectful relationships with students, families, faculty, volunteers, and parish staff.
Catholic Identity and Mission
The School Lunch Cook & Kitchen Coordinator is expected to:
- Support the mission and philosophy of Catholic education.
- Model Christian values through kindness, patience, respect, honesty, and service.
- Treat every student with dignity, compassion, and care.
- Foster a welcoming environment during meal service.
- Participate appropriately in school faith activities and community events as requested.
- Serve as a positive representative of St. Bernard Catholic School.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Previous experience in commercial food preparation, school nutrition, restaurant, catering, or institutional food service preferred.
- Experience preparing meals for large groups is strongly preferred.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to prepare multiple meals while maintaining quality and efficiency.
- Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations.
- Experience handling cash and maintaining accurate financial records preferred.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
- Current California Food Handler Card or Food Protection Manager Certification preferred, or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.
- Fingerprinting, Safe Environment Training, and all Archdiocese of Los Angeles employment requirements must be completed before employment.
Professional Expectations
As an employee of St. Bernard Catholic School, the School Lunch Cook & Kitchen Coordinator is expected to:
- Follow all school, parish, and Archdiocese of Los Angeles policies and procedures.
- Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity at all times.
- Demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality.
- Dress appropriately for a food service environment and maintain proper personal hygiene.
Maintain positive working relationships with students, families, faculty, and staff.
- Accept supervision, feedback, and additional responsibilities as assigned.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming kitchen environment that reflects pride in the school and its mission.
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to:
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Bend, reach, stoop, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks.
- Operate commercial kitchen equipment safely.
- Work in hot kitchen environments while maintaining efficiency and attention to food safety.
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled
Position Start Date: August 17, 2026
Interested applicants should submit:
- Cover letter Spanish or English
- Current résumé
- Three professional references
- Copies of food safety certifications (if available)
Please submit application materials to:
Vanessa Rivas, Principal
St. Bernard Catholic School
9626 Park Street
Bellflower, CA 90706
Email: [email protected]
Wage Range
The rate of pay offered to the selected candidate is based on internal pay policy and budget. New hires are commonly paid at the minimum of the wage range or within the lower part of the range. We consider a number of factors when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience, training and other department needs.
