Cafeteria Assistant

Job Posting: Cafeteria Assistant

Department: Nutrition Services
Classification: Nutrition Services
FTE: 0.4375 (3.5 hours per day)
Contract Days: 181 days (177 for the 2026-27 school year)
Supervised By: Nutrition Services Director or designee

General Description

Under supervision of the site supervisor or Nutrition Services Director or designee, the Cafeteria Assistant performs a variety of manual tasks in the preparation and serving of food; cleans kitchen equipment and areas; and completes related tasks as required.

Essential Functions

• Assist in preparing and heating foods.
• Stock snack bars or salad bars, transport food from one location to another, arrange food and trays for serving, and serve food in snack bars or serving lines.
• Assist, when needed, with collecting money, making change, and operating the food service point-of-sale system.
• Operate commercial kitchen equipment and appliances, including dishwasher, in a safe manner.
• Participate in maintenance of proper sanitary conditions, including cleaning utensils, dishes, equipment, and facilities, and proper storage of food. Maintain kitchen and serving area in a clean, orderly fashion.
• Assist student workers on serving line.
• In the absence of the satellite kitchen cook, head cook, or base kitchen manager, may assume responsibilities of that position.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality to ensure consistent service delivery and effective kitchen operations.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions from supervisor(s).
• Perform other related duties and assume other responsibilities as needed and directed by supervisor(s).

Job Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid food handler's card.

Work Experience

• Paid or volunteer experience in serving and preparation of large quantities of food is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to skillfully assist in food preparation; work rapidly and with frequent interruptions; count, add, subtract, and tally numbers; and make change quickly and accurately.
• Ability to understand and carry out simple oral and written instructions and to maintain and establish effective and collaborative relationships with supervisors, other staff, students, families, and the public.
• Ability to follow district policies and procedures.
• Ability to perform essential functions with a minimum of supervision.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Work occurs in kitchen environments including preparation areas, serving lines, storage areas, and receiving docks. Requires the ability to remain safe and professional in a fast-paced, high-temperature commercial kitchen environment. Must be able to multitask, follow directions, and adapt to changing meal service needs. Work involves close proximity to hot surfaces, sharp equipment, and industrial food service machinery. May be exposed to extreme temperatures, wet or slippery surfaces, cleaning chemicals, and common food allergens.

• Physical activities include standing, walking, sitting, twisting, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and pushing or pulling.
• Medium Work: Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Fingerprinting Notice: Applicant agrees to assume cost and arrange for a fingerprint-based criminal records check upon offer of employment ($12.50 at Fieldprint office $75 payroll deduction).

Equity and Inclusion Statement

Canby School District is an equal opportunity educator and employer. It is the policy of the Canby School District and its Board of Education that there shall be no discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by law in any educational programs, activities, or employment.

For more information, please visit our Prospective Employee Information page or view the full job description.