Cooks Assistant

Job Title: Summer Rec Program Cook’s Assistant

Department: Parks & Recreation

Reports To: Youth Activities Lead, Kasia Seymour

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

TS Range: 3/4 ($17.35 hourly)

Opening Date: April 24th, 2026

Closing Date: May 8, 2026

SUMMARY: The Summer Rec. Program Cook’s Assistant is responsible for assisting the Summer Rec Program Cook in foodservice operations - including food preparation, following the planned menu; acquiring kitchen supplies and food, and related kitchen duties as provided by supervisor.

Supports food preparation according to the pre-determined Summer Food Program menu that responds to food program guidelines, participant food allergies, etc.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following (other duties may be assigned):

Food Preparation & Meal Service

• Assist with preparing, cooking, and serving meals and snacks according to the established six-week menu.
• Ensure food is served on schedule, at proper temperatures, and in compliance with Washington State health regulations.
• Support supervision of the dining area in collaboration with Summer Recreation Program staff.

Inventory & Receiving

• Assist with inventory control of food, supplies, and kitchen equipment.
• Unpack, label, and properly store all food and supply deliveries.
• Support maintenance of adequate food and milk supplies.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain infection control, sanitation, and food safety standards as required by the Tribe, program department, and Department of Health.
• Ensure safe and proper storage of all food and kitchen supplies.
• Follow all program rules, operating principles, and policies and procedures.

Kitchen Operations & Sanitation

• Operate the kitchen in a clean, efficient, and cost-effective manner.
• Maintain daily kitchen cleanliness, including dishes, tables, and trash removal after meals.
• Clean kitchen appliances and equipment at least weekly.

Program Support & Youth Engagement

• Support the program’s prevention curriculum and model respectful behavior.
• Encourage respect for staff, personal property, equipment, and facilities.
• Participate in field trips and supervise youth when required.

Required Availability & Professional Expectations

• Attend mandatory pre-program staff training (June 22–June 26).
• Work the full Summer Recreation Program schedule (June 30–August 8), Monday–Thursday, 8am-4pm; 8am-2pm on Fridays.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: There are no supervisory responsibilities with this position.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: A High School Diploma or GED with one year experience. Experience should include safe operation and maintenance of kitchen equipment and supplies. Must have experience cooking for large groups 30 – 100+. Experience working with commercial cooking equipment, menu planning, inventory control, and record keeping preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to calculate recipe ratios for food preparation.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Must have a current Food Handler’s Permit, or must receive current Food Handler’s Permit before 6/27/2025. Must pass WATCH and Tribal Court Background Check. Must have current CPR/First Aid certification or be able to obtain it within the pre-program staff training.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear; the employee is also frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms; the employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must also frequently lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift 25-50 pounds.

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 employee may occasionally be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, and outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE: The successful candidate will be required to have a urinalysis for drug and alcohol screening in accordance with the Tribe’s Drug Free Workplace Policy.

OTHER: Professional attire suitable for the work environment is required.

THERE WILL BE NO TOLERANCE FOR THE USE OF ALCOHOL OR ILLEGAL DRUGS WHILE EMPLOYED IN THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM. USE OF TOBACCO IN FRONT OF THE YOUTH OR DURING WORK TIME IS NOT ALLOWED. ANY VIOLATION OF THESE POLICIES IS CAUSE FOR IMMEDIATE TERMINATION.

INDIAN PREFERECE: Indian Preference will be exercised in the hiring of this position in accordance with the Tribe’s Personnel Policies.

TO APPLY: Submit application packets including a resume and cover letter on Paylocity through the Squaxin Island Tribe Career Opportunities website. Contact Human Resources for more information: 360-432-3865.