Nutrition Services Assistant (Cafeteria Worker)
Food service worker preparing and serving meals to students
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About Our Organization
We are committed to providing exceptional educational services and creating a positive learning environment for our students, staff, and community. Our organization values integrity, collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in everything we do.
Position Overview
The Nutrition Services Assistant (Cafeteria Worker) is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals to students in accordance with federal nutrition guidelines and district policies. This safety-sensitive position requires food handler certification and strict adherence to food safety protocols. The assistant works as part of a team to ensure students receive healthy, appealing meals in a clean and welcoming environment.
Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Service
- Prepare and serve meals according to standardized recipes and portion sizes
- Operate kitchen equipment including ovens, steamers, slicers, and dishwashers safely
- Maintain proper food temperatures and follow HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) procedures
- Set up serving lines, replenish food items, and maintain clean and organized serving areas
- Operate point-of-sale (POS) system for meal transactions and account management
- Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, work surfaces, and dining areas
- Wash dishes, utensils, and equipment following proper sanitation procedures
- Receive and store food deliveries, checking for quality and proper storage temperatures
- Follow all food safety regulations, health codes, and district policies
- Provide friendly customer service to students and staff
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with inventory management and food ordering as assigned
- Attend mandatory food safety training and staff meetings
Required Qualifications
Food Safety Certification
Valid Food Handler Card or ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
Additional Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Ability to pass pre-employment and ongoing drug/alcohol screening
- Ability to pass background check and fingerprint clearance
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds
- Basic math skills for portion control and cash handling
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions
- Willingness to work flexible hours including early mornings
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous food service or restaurant experience
- Experience working with children or in an educational setting
- Knowledge of federal nutrition guidelines (National School Lunch Program)
- Bilingual skills (as applicable to district needs)
- Cash handling and POS system experience
Skills & Competencies
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation procedures
- Ability to follow standardized recipes and portion control guidelines
- Basic math skills for measurements, portions, and cash transactions
- Ability to operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently
- Strong attention to detail for food quality and safety
- Customer service skills for interacting with students and staff
- Time management and ability to work efficiently during peak meal periods
- Physical stamina for standing, lifting, and repetitive tasks
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Basic communication skills
Work Environment
This position works primarily in school kitchen and cafeteria facilities, typically during school hours with early morning start times for breakfast service. The assistant works in a fast-paced environment with exposure to heat, steam, and various food odors. The role involves standing for extended periods, frequent lifting and carrying, and working with hot equipment and food items. The position requires working as part of a team to meet meal service deadlines and maintain food safety standards.
Physical Requirements
Physical Demands
This position requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds or more on a regular basis. The role involves frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching. Employees must be able to work in various weather conditions and environments, including outdoor settings. The position requires manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to operate tools and equipment safely. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Additional Physical Requirements Specific to Food Service
- Ability to stand for extended periods (4-6 hours)
- Ability to lift and carry food containers, trays, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work in hot and humid kitchen environments
- Manual dexterity for food preparation and equipment operation
- Sufficient vision and sense of smell to ensure food quality and safety
Benefits & Perks
Standard Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities. Additional benefits may vary based on employment status and location.
In Addition to Our Standard Benefits Package
Nutrition services staff receive:
- Free or discounted meals during work hours
- Paid food handler certification and renewal
- Uniform allowance and non-slip footwear provided
- Opportunities for advancement within nutrition services
- School calendar schedule with holidays and summers off (as applicable)
Legal & Compliance
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
At-Will Employment
This position is at-will, meaning either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, except as may be limited by applicable law or collective bargaining agreement.
Background Check Policy
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include criminal history, employment verification, and reference checks, as permitted by applicable law.
Safety Sensitive Position & Drug Testing
This is a safety-sensitive position as defined by applicable regulations. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Employees in this position are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, post-accident testing, reasonable suspicion testing, and return-to-duty testing as required by law and district policy. A positive test result or refusal to submit to testing may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.