Preschool Cook

Preschool Cook

Full-Time | San Francisco, CA

Compensation: $23–$38/hour DOE

At the Scandinavian School & Cultural Center, food is an important part of our educational philosophy and community culture. We believe that sharing meals together helps create connection, conversation, and lifelong healthy habits.

We are seeking a warm, organized, and passionate Preschool Cook to prepare nutritious, organic, plant-based meals for our preschool community. This is an opportunity to become an important part of a small, collaborative, values-driven school inspired by Scandinavian culture, sustainability, and experiential learning.

Food is deeply integrated into our preschool culture. We serve home-cooked meals family-style and emphasize sustainability, nutrition, and exposure to diverse foods.

About the Role

As our Preschool Cook, you will prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks for children and staff five days per week. Meals are prepared fresh on-site using a rotating menu focused on organic, plant-based ingredients.

You will play a key role in creating positive mealtime experiences for children while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily
• Cook nutritious, primarily organic and plant-based meals for children and staff
• Source and maintain high-quality ingredients while working within budget
• Maintain kitchen inventory and food supply organization
• Ensure proper food handling, sanitation, and kitchen safety standards
• Wash, sanitize, and store kitchenware and equipment
• Clean and sanitize kitchen spaces after meal service
• Collaborate with staff to develop rotating menus and accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies
• Support meal preparation during summer camp and professional development days
• Provide a weekly fruit basket/snacks for staff

Qualifications

• Experience cooking professionally, ideally in schools, childcare settings, cafés, or similar environments
• Passion for healthy, plant-based cooking
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and manage kitchen operations
• Understanding of food safety and sanitation practices
• Experience accommodating allergies and dietary restrictions preferred
• Ability to collaborate positively with children and staff in a school environment

Schedule

This is a full-time, on-site position: Monday–Friday. 40 hours/week

Meal service schedule:

• Breakfast: 8:10 AM
• Lunch: 11:30 AM
• Snack: 2:30 PM

The School also operates Summer Camp during portions of June and August, and the cook supports meal service during camp weeks.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation range: $23–$38/hour, depending on experience, education, qualifications, and alignment with the needs of the role. Biweekly pay and overtime paid in accordance with California law

Benefits package available for eligible employees, including paid time off during school breaks.

About Us

Scandinavian School & Cultural Center is a nonprofit organization in San Francisco inspired by Scandinavian values, sustainability, and experiential learning. Our preschool offers a warm, community-centered environment where children learn through play, creativity, nature, and meaningful relationships.

To apply, please send your resume and a short introduction describing your interest in the position to jobs@scandinavianschool.org

Pay: $23.00 - $38.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person