We have an immediate opening for an experienced, fun-loving chef/kitchen manager for our licensed childcare facility. Apply at indeed.com: https://www.indeed.com/job/kitchen-managerchef-95ad8584c3c2bbdc *Kitchen Manager/Chef for The Muse: a children’s center* *The Muse* The Muse is a program of the Children’s Museum of Tacoma where we honor children and champion play. We are a licensed childcare and early learning center serving children ages 12 months to 5 years. The Muse is inspired by beliefs from early learning centers in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Our curriculum emerges from the interests of children together with the reflections of teachers. We value teaching and learning through the arts, that is play based, and joyful. *Chef * The chef values the preparation and serving of nutritious, healthy foods for the benefit of children. Their interactions represent the Museum’s values and personality, including collaborating with colleagues and clients to establish supportive relationships. The Chef is a flexible thinker and creative problem solver. They show respect for diverse parenting styles and cultural differences. *Status:* Part-Time, 32 hours per week, medical benefits eligible, accrues paid time off. *Rate of pay:* $14-$15 per hour, overtime eligible. *Hours: *7:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. *Days:* Monday – Friday *Job Responsibilities* *Kitchen Maintenance* - Maintain high standards for an organized, clean, and welcoming kitchen - Clean kitchen equipment and appliances to maintain health and sanitation standards - Eliminate safety hazards and ensure proper use of food service equipment - Maintain a clean and organized food storage space - Maintain kitchen equipment and appliances in excellent working order - Keep accurate menu records, meal counts, and any other food substitutions or changes - Ensure meal reports and records are completed and accurate on a daily basis - Determine food quantity and quality - Plan substitutions for food allergies - Monitor food temperatures - Conduct daily food inventory - Order necessary supplies to ensure daily food needs are met *Meal Preparation* - Prepare and cook meals for up to 68 children and their teachers - Provide highly nutritious meals exceeding USDA guidelines - Plan and implement monthly menu plans exceeding USDA guidelines - Prepare menus and foods using whole ingredients and the least processed as possible - Prepare meals “from scratch” ingredients as much as possible - Understanding of healthy food choices for children in order to plan menus - Use USDA guidelines to measure, record, and serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks according to each age group - Operate all kitchen equipment and utensils including mixer, blender, toaster, and griddle - Work with Director and Assistant Director to stay within food and equipment budget *Nutrition* - Ensure food allergies are documented - Support teachers lesson plans and projects around healthy foods - Provide cooking demonstrations for healthy food in collaboration with teachers’ plans - Support teacher and children’s ability to serve family style meal - Support children’s independence and self-help skills - Respect each child’s individuality and family food cultures *Other* - Participate in reflective supervision meetings with Director - Participate in reflective meetings with Museum team members - Participate in staff meetings and some professional development meetings - Comply with DEL childcare licensing regulations related to this position - Maintain accurate record-keeping systems - Maintain complete record-keeping and other tasks in a timely manner *Minimum Qualifications:* - High school diploma or GED - One-year experience cooking for large groups in restaurant, catering, school, or military - Knowledge of USDA food standards for an early childcare center - Highly skilled in planning, purchasing, preparation, and cooking nutritious meals - Effective verbal and written English skills - Ability to work with persons of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds - Very good interpersonal communication skills - Very good customer service skills - Able to lift up to 40 pounds - Strong organizational skills including prioritizing, tracking work in progress, maintaining accurate record-keeping, and handling interruptions with patience and understanding. - Maintain a clean personal physical appearance - Dress in clothing appropriate for working in a kitchen - Strong ability to work independently and as a team member - Computer Skills to include: use Microsoft Word standard functions to create, format, edit, preview, print, and save documents; Use internet to locate and download relevant educational information; and use email to communicate *Desired Qualifications* - Experience cooking in a licensed child care center with children 12 months – 5 years - Education from college or community culinary program - Bilingual candidates - Knowledge of Pierce County community resources for food and health *Conditions of Employment* - Able to pass a Department of Early Learning MERIT portable criminal background check - Completion of HIV/AIDS training upon employment - Completion of Blood Borne Pathogens training within 3 months of hire - Written proof of TB testing prior to starting work - Valid Food Handlers Permit upon employment - Valid First Aid and CPR Card upon employment - Valid Washington State Driver’s license -- *HONOR CHILDREN. CHAMPION PLAY.* Kat Bosold, Human Resources and Office Manager Pronouns: she, her, hers Children’s Museum of Tacoma 1501 Pacific Avenue, Suite 202 Tacoma, WA 98402 253.627.6031 ext. 236 PlayTacoma.org <http://www.playtacoma.org/> <http://www.playtacoma.org/> <http://www.playtacoma.org/> <https://playtacoma.org/camp>