Job Description

Why Your Role Matters

The Center Chef plays a vital role in advancing the health, nutrition, and overall well-being of children at YMCA Tomorrow Academy. This position ensures that all meals and snacks are prepared fresh, meet CACFP guidelines, and reflect our commitment to quality early childhood care. This role supports the physical development, energy, and focus of young children through nutritious, appealing meals served in a safe and welcoming environment. The Center Chef is responsible for menu planning, food preparation, inventory management, cost control, and compliance with all health and regulatory requirements.

Reporting directly to the Director, YMCA Tomorrow Academy, this position partners with leadership to maintainhigh standards of food safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Child Care Location: Tomorrow Academy – Dove Springs Area, Austin, TX 78744

How You Will Make an Impact

• Plan monthly menus for breakfast, lunch, and snacks in alignment with CACFP, USDA, and TDA for meal pattern requirements.

• Prepare nutritious meals and snacks according to approved menus, ensuring proper portion sizes, safe food handling, and age-appropriate presentation.

• Maintain accurate CACFP documentation, including meal counts, food production records, and required compliance logs.

• Collaborate with the YMCA procurement team to plan food orders aligned with approved menus and verify deliveries for quality, accuracy, and proper temperatures.

• Maintain oversight of kitchen inventory by monitoring food supplies, forecasting ordering needs, and communicating timely purchasing requests to the procurement team.

• Track food usage, monitor kitchen-related expenses, and identify opportunities to minimize waste and improve cost efficiencies

• Maintain proper food storage and inventory rotation using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) practices to ensure freshness and reduce waste.

• Ensure safe accommodation of documented food allergies, dietary restrictions, and medical meal plans in coordination with the Director and classroom educators.

• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen in compliance with local health department regulations, Texas Child Care Regulation standards, and CACFP requirements, including required temperature logs and sanitation checks.

• Monitor kitchen equipment for safe operation and report maintenance or replacement needs.

• Collaborate with classroom educators to support positive mealtime experiences that promote healthy eating habits and child independence.

• Provide limited classroom support during non-meal service hours while maintaining primary responsibility for kitchen operations.

• Participate in required professional development related to food safety, CACFP compliance, and YMCA standards.

• Support continuous improvement and enterprise initiatives related to on-site meal service operations across YMCA Tomorrow Academy locations.

• Promote teamwork, professionalism, and a positive work environment within the early childhood center.

• Complete other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Y

• Must be 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or equivalent.

• Minimum of 5 years of cooking experience, preferably in high volume settings serving 75+ children or similar populations.

• Experience in food service, childcare, kitchens, school cafeterias, or institutional cooking preferred.

• Food Manager Certification required or in progress.

• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation practices, and regulatory compliance.

• Familiarity with USDA CACFP guidelines or willingness to learn childcare nutrition requirements.

• Ability to prepare large quantities of meals while maintaining quality portion control and presentation standards.

• Experience developing and following standardized menus, including accommodating dietary restrictions and food allergies, and collaborating on menu planning preferred.

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with staff and leadership.

• Flexible solution oriented and able to remain calm under pressure.

• Team-oriented with a positive attitude and ability to build strong relationships with staff and children.

• Strong commitment to cleanliness, safety, and kitchen organization.

Physical Requirements: 

This role requires the ability to stand for extended periods while preparing and serving meals, lift and carry up to 40 pounds, bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions associated with food preparation and kitchen tasks. The Center Chef must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, safely operate kitchen equipment, and maintain awareness of children and staff in the surrounding areas. Ability to move quickly and safely, maintain proper hygiene, and work in a temperature-variable kitchen environment is essential. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

About Us

The Greater Austin YMCA is a dynamic force elevating quality of life in Greater Austin by boldly expanding access for all children, adults, families and seniors in our rapidly growing community. For nearly 75 years, the Greater Austin YMCA has evolved to address each community's greatest needs, touching every phase of life and nurturing happier, healthier people, a stronger community and a better world.

We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality programs that keep our community strong. As a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide financial assistance to expand access so community members can learn, grow, and thrive through our early learning academies, fitness and wellness centers, youth programs, workforce development, adult programming, mental health counseling, and more.

Each year, the Y serves nearly 140,000 people across Travis and Hays counties through seven fitness and wellness centers, more than 55 licensed campuses in four school districts, two YMCA Tomorrow Academy™ locations, and Camp Moody, our outdoor Adventure camp.

Globally, the YMCA is one of the oldest and largest youth-serving organizations in the world, united by our commitment to a better future -- for all.

Additional Information:

The organization has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

The Greater Austin YMCA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Greater Austin YMCA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which we have employees. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We Take Care of Our People

Our mission isn't just a statement--it's a guiding force that shapes our actions every day. Rooted in our unwavering commitment to serving our community and esteemed team members, our mission is a true way of life. We're passionate about fostering health and wellness for all, and we're truly excited to introduce the following comprehensive benefits package that has been thoughtfully designed to prioritize your well-being.

• Health Insurance: We provide comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, to ensure the well-being of our employees.
• Retirement Savings Plan: We offer a 12% employer-funded retirement plan upon meeting eligibility, empowering employees to plan for their future.
• Paid Time Off: Work-life integration is important to us, which is why we provide up to 48 days of paid time off over vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Additional Perks: Free household membership to facilities operated by the Greater Austin YMCA, which is worth $1,200+ annually.

Pay Range

$22 - $25 per hour, DOE