COOK

Date: Jan 6, 2026

Req ID: 55044

Location:

Washington, AR, US, 71862

Category: DEPT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

Anticipated Starting Salary: $33,280

Cook

Req: 55044

Position #: 22143416

Salary: $33,280

Grade: SGS01

Location: Historic Washington State Park, Washington, AR

Closing date: 01/23/2026

Job Duties: Prepare meals and snacks according to standardized recipes and menu plans. Ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature and quality standards. Clean and maintain cooking equipment, utensils, and workstations. Monitor food inventory and inform supervisors when supplies are low. Ability to interact with visitors, handles or relays complaints to managers, and assists visitors with special needs. Performs food preparation duties, including preparing food commodities, calculating needed amounts of goods, ensuring accurate measurements of recipe quantities, labeling and storing leftover items, and ordering weekly supplies. Assist with portioning and plating meals for service. Follow food safety regulations regarding food storage, handling, and cleanliness. Complete paperwork and be able to run a cash register and POS system.

KAS: Basic knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation, and kitchen sanitation. Ability to follow recipes and cooking instructions accurately. Strong attention to detail in food preparation and quality control. Ability to maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen. Good communication skills for working with other kitchen staff. Ability to count money and complete computerized reports.

Minimum Qualifications: Experience with food preparation in a restaurant setting. Be able to stand on feet for 6-7 hours per day. Be able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds upstairs. Must pass a background check. N/A Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Position is eligible for full benefits package including health and life insurance, retirement, paid holidays, and annual and sick leave.

EOE/AA/ADA Women and minorities encouraged to apply.

Applications accepted online only: https://arcareers.arkansas.gov

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has three major divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Arkansas State Parks manages 52 state parks and promotes Arkansas as a tourist destination for people around the country. Arkansas Heritage preserves and promotes Arkansas’s natural and cultural history and heritage through four historic museums and four cultural preservation agencies. Arkansas Tourism improves the state’s economy by generating travel and enhancing the image of the state.

Position Information

Job Series: Food Service – Career-path

Classification: Cook

Class Code: TFS01P

Pay Grade: SGS01

Salary Range: $33,280 - $49,254

Job Summary

The Cook is responsible for preparing meals in a state facility according to established menus and recipes. This entry-level role ensures that food is prepared promptly, cooked to the correct specifications, and complies with health and safety standards.

Primary Responsibilities

Prepare meals and snacks according to standardized recipes and menu plans. Ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature and quality standards. Clean and maintain cooking equipment, utensils, and workstations. Monitor food inventory and inform supervisors when supplies are low. Ability to interact with visitors, handles or relays complaints to managers, and assists visitors with special needs. Performs food preparation duties, including preparing food commodities, calculating needed amounts of goods, ensuring accurate measurements of recipe quantities, labeling and storing leftover items, and ordering weekly supplies. Assist with portioning and plating meals for service. Follow food safety regulations regarding food storage, handling, and cleanliness.

Knowledge and Skills

Basic knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation, and kitchen sanitation. Ability to follow recipes and cooking instructions accurately. Strong attention to detail in food preparation and quality control. Ability to maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen. Good communication skills for working with other kitchen staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Previous kitchen or cooking experience.

Licensure/Certifications

Must obtain and maintain ServSafe Food Certification within six months of hire. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.