Aide - Cafeteria

Job Summary

The Food Service Worker assists with the preparation, serving, and storage of quality food for students and faculty at the assigned school location. This position supports daily food service operations by preparing menu items, maintaining clean and sanitary food preparation and serving areas, safely operating kitchen equipment, and providing courteous and efficient service. The Food Service Worker follows established food safety and sanitation procedures and performs duties as directed by the Food Service Manager.

Job Responsibilities

• Food Preparation: Prepare, portion, and serve food items according to the planned menu and instructions provided by the Food Service Manager.
• Fresh Food Preparation: Wash, cut, and prepare fresh fruits and vegetables for daily service.
• Serving Line Support: Set up, maintain, refill, and break down serving lines and salad bars before and after meal service.
• Food Service Areas: Refill snack racks and maintain food service areas in a clean, organized, and functional condition.
• Food Storage: Properly store unused food items and follow established food handling, storage, and sanitation procedures.
• Kitchen Equipment: Safely operate ovens, stoves, dishwashing equipment, and other kitchen equipment. Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment to the Food Service Manager.
• Food Safety: Follow all applicable food safety, sanitation, health, and workplace safety procedures. Use caution when working with hot ovens, stoves, warmers, and other equipment to prevent burns and injuries.
• Cleaning and Sanitation: Assist with daily cleaning of kitchen equipment, food preparation areas, walls, floors, work surfaces, and other areas to maintain sanitary conditions.
• Dishwashing: Operate dish-cleaning equipment safely and efficiently and return clean dishes and utensils to their designated storage areas.
• Kitchen Maintenance: Keep food preparation, storage, serving, and work areas clean, organized, and ready for daily operations.
• Physical Requirements: Safely lift and retrieve items from overhead storage, lift items weighing up to 30 pounds, handle large food trays, and perform tasks requiring standing, bending, reaching, lifting, and walking for extended periods.
• Uniform and Appearance: Wear and maintain required uniforms in a neat, clean, and appropriate manner.
• Attendance and Scheduling: Report to work as scheduled and maintain reliable attendance. Attend meetings, training sessions, gatherings, and other required activities as directed by the Food Service Manager.
• Confidentiality: Maintain the confidential nature of all school-related matters and information.
• Other Duties: Perform other food service and kitchen-related duties as assigned by the Food Service Manager or designated supervisor.

Job Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or GED preferred; significant related food service experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Experience: Previous food service, cafeteria, kitchen, or institutional food service experience preferred.
• Certifications: Ability to maintain required food safety certifications and comply with all applicable safety and sanitation requirements.
• Skills:
  • Ability to follow menus, recipes, instructions, and established procedures.
  • Ability to safely operate kitchen and food service equipment.
  • Strong attention to cleanliness, sanitation, and food safety.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Dependable attendance and punctuality.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in a school environment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and supervisors.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for up to six hours, lift up to 30 pounds, lift and retrieve items from overhead, bend, reach, sweep, clean lower areas, and safely handle large food trays and kitchen equipment.