Early Learning Cook

Make a difference every day-starting in the kitchen. At the Whatcom Family YMCA, we believe every child deserves a healthy start. As our Barkley Early Learning Center Cook, you'll play a vital role in nurturing young children by preparing nutritious, delicious meals that fuel their growth, learning, and joy. This isn't just a cooking job-it's an opportunity to be part of a mission-driven team committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. What You'll Do Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and two daily snacks for children ages 1-5Follow CACFP guidelines to ensure meals meet nutritional standardsAccommodate food allergies and dietary needs with approved substitutionsMaintain high standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and food safetyCollaborate with leadership to plan menus and manage food inventory/ordersEnsure proper food storage and delivery proceduresWork alongside teaching staff to support food-related activitiesCreate a warm, welcoming environment for children and families Our Commitment to You At the YMCA, we're more than a workplace-we're a community. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive regardless of background or identity. We work every day to: Remove barriers to accessSupport working familiesImprove community healthEmpower the next generation Why Join the Y? Meaningful work that impacts children and familiesSupportive, mission-driven team environmentOpportunities for growth and ongoing trainingA workplace that values diversity, equity, and belonging OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY:Everything we do at the YMCA is based on the ideal that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or identity, diverse abilities, age, religion, socioeconomic status or any other statuses or identities. Our work is focused on eliminating barriers to access, eliminating disparities in health, providing educational support, supporting working families, and growing our next generation of change makers for our country. YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):Advancing Our Mission & Cause: Engaging Community, Philanthropy Building Relationships: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, Inclusion Leading Operations: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Functional Expertise, Innovation Developing & Inspiring People: Developing Self & Others, Emotional Maturity What You Bring Age 18+ with high school diploma (or equivalent)Experience cooking for large groupsKnowledge of nutrition, food safety, and basic cooking techniquesAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environmentStrong time management and multitasking skillsA passion for working around young children and supporting familiesWillingness to continue learning in early childhood education and nutrition Certifications (or willingness to obtain): CPR/AED & First Aid (Adult, Infant & Child)Food Handler's CardMERIT ID & Portable Background CheckHIV/Bloodborne Pathogen trainingNegative TB Test & MMR Immunization Record WORK ENVIRONMENT & 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities.The employee is required to stand for an entire shift, and must be able to move between classrooms and buildings.The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.