What are the responsibilities and job description for the Food Service Lead-Cedar Falls High School position at Cedar Falls Community School District?
Are you passionate about culinary service and making a positive impact on students' daily lives? As a Food Service Lead, you will play a key role in delivering fresh, nutritious, and delicious meals to our school community. You will lead kitchen operations, support team members, maintain high standards of safety and flavor, and ensure our meal programs run smoothly across assigned district schools.
Meal Preparation & Culinary Operations
- Prepare high-quality meal items using standardized recipes, safe culinary techniques, and proper portion control.
- Participate in recipe testing and new product development to keep menus exciting and appetizing.
- Prepare special dietary meals accurately according to directions and student needs.
- Evaluate food quality by sight, taste, and smell to ensure high standards before serving.
- Coordinate food staging and delivery for satellite school meals and outside district events.
Kitchen Leadership & Team Support
- Provide guidance, coaching, and direction to kitchen team members during daily operations.
- Assist in training staff on standardized recipes, portioning, and proper equipment operation.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and friendly environment for staff and students.
- Step in flexibly to assist across all areas of the kitchen whenever needed.
Food Safety, Sanitation & Quality Control
- Maintain clean, orderly work areas, equipment, freezers, and storage rooms in accordance with health safety guidelines.
- Ensure proper food thawing, cooling, and cooking temperatures, maintaining accurate production records.
- Calibrate thermometers regularly and maintain immaculate sanitation standards.
- Adhere to district dress code and personal hygiene guidelines for food safety.
Inventory, Logistics & Administrative Duties
- Maintain daily inventory records of food and non-food supplies used within the department.
- Inform the Food Service Manager promptly of inventory needs, supplies, and equipment care requirements.
- Assist with receiving, organizing, and storing food and supply deliveries.
- As needed, operate a district delivery vehicle to transport food/supplies between schools or satellite locations in a safe and timely manner.
- Use basic computer skills to log food production, inventory data, and routine communications.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Education & Certification: High School Diploma or equivalent; valid ServSafe Certification (or commitment to complete the June after hire.).
- Driver's License: Valid driver’s license with a clear driving record (for delivery/satellite school needs).
- Experience: Prior experience in institutional/K-12 nutrition or team lead roles is a plus.
- Skills & Abilities:
- Basic math skills for recipe conversions and inventory tracking.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a team-first, student-centered approach.
- Ability to multi-task, stays organized, and work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen setting.
- Physical & Pre-Employment Requirements: Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs as needed; completion of post-offer physical, drug screening and standard background checks.
Why Join Our District Team?
- Family-Friendly Schedule: Align your work hours (7.5 hours per day) with the school calendar—summers, holidays, and weekends off!
- Meaningful Work: Directly support student health, learning, and well-being every day.
- Growth & Learning: ServSafe certification sponsorship, and career development opportunities.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Access to health, vision, dental, retirement plans, and paid leave options.