School Food Service Employe

Reports To: Kitchen Manager
Location: Alturas International Academy, Idaho Falls, ID

About Alturas Academy

Alturas Academy is a public charter school network committed to rigorous, inquiry-based learning and student growth. Through small instructional groups and teaching students at their true academic level, we create meaningful opportunities for collaboration, critical thinking, and academic success.

At Alturas, our values of support, collaboration, and community are foundational to everything we do. School Nutrition Employees play an essential role in supporting student success by providing nutritious meals in a safe, welcoming, and efficient environment. This position works collaboratively with the Child Nutrition team, school staff, and students to promote healthy eating habits while ensuring compliance with state and federal nutrition standards.

Position Summary

The School Nutrition Employee assists in the preparation, service, and cleanup of school meals while maintaining high standards of food safety, sanitation, customer service, and operational efficiency. This position supports the daily operation of the school nutrition program by preparing and serving nutritious meals, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Service

• Prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, snacks, and other food items according to standardized recipes and portion control guidelines.
• Ensure meals meet USDA meal pattern requirements and reimbursement standards.
• Operate serving lines efficiently while providing friendly customer service.
• Assist with cashiering duties and maintain accurate meal counts and student meal accounts.
• Prepare food safely and efficiently while maintaining quality and presentation standards.
• Assist with inventory rotation and proper food storage procedures.

Kitchen Operations & Sanitation

• Clean serving lines, workstations, kitchen equipment, utensils, dishes, storage areas, floors, and food preparation areas.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment in accordance with health department standards.
• Follow proper food handling, storage, and temperature monitoring procedures.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and report maintenance concerns promptly.
• Properly dispose of waste and maintain cleanliness throughout the workday.

Compliance & Safety

• Follow all USDA, Idaho State Department of Education, local health department, and Alturas Academy Child Nutrition Program requirements.
• Demonstrate knowledge of reimbursable meal requirements and nutrition standards.
• Follow all food safety procedures and maintain ServSafe standards.
• Observe all workplace safety procedures and report accidents, hazards, or equipment concerns immediately.
• Participate in required safety meetings and annual training.

Collaboration & Customer Service

• Maintain positive, professional relationships with students, staff, families, and coworkers.
• Provide outstanding customer service while creating a welcoming dining environment.
• Cooperate with kitchen managers, school administrators, and fellow nutrition staff to ensure efficient daily operations.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and a positive attitude while representing Alturas Academy.

Program Support

• Assist with receiving, stocking, and organizing food deliveries.
• Deliver meals and supplies to other campuses or service locations when assigned.
• Assist with catering, special events, and school activities as needed.
• Participate in professional development and required Child Nutrition Program training.
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting at other school locations or performing additional duties as assigned to support the needs of the Child Nutrition Program.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Idaho Driver's License.
• ServSafe Certification or the ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a commercial kitchen environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in school nutrition, food service, or commercial food preparation.
• Experience operating commercial kitchen equipment.
• Knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Program requirements.
• Experience with point-of-sale meal systems and cash handling.

Employment Information

Position: Part-Time

Typical Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (The schedule may vary based on school needs.)

Benefits

Employees working 20 hours or more per week are eligible to participate in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) in accordance with Idaho law.

Work Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in varying kitchen temperatures.
• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ability to travel between school sites or deliver meals when assigned.
• Ability to maintain a positive, professional demeanor in a fast-paced food service environment.