PART-TIME CHILD NUTRITION ASSISTANT

Job Title: Part-Time Food Service Assistant

Department: School Nutrition

Reports To: School Nutrition Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Type: Part-Time

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Part-Time Food Service Assistant performs routine food preparation, serving, cashiering, and kitchen sanitation tasks. This role supports the daily operations of the school cafeteria, ensuring students receive nutritious, high-quality meals in a clean, safe, and friendly environment in compliance with National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and food safety guidelines.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

1. Food Preparation & Service

• Prepare, cook, and serve menu items following standardized recipes, portion controls, and special diet instructions.

• Utilize batch cooking techniques to keep serving lines fully stocked and fresh throughout meal periods.

• Prep fresh fruits and vegetables, assemble salads and wraps, pan items for baking, and prep menu items for next-day meal service.

• Set up, monitor, and clean serving lines, condiment stations, milk coolers, and ice cream freezers.

• Assist students, staff, and parents by answering basic questions about menu options, ingredients, food allergies, and meal components.

2. Cashiering & Basic Record Keeping

• Operate the point-of-sale (POS) terminal during meal periods, accurately identifying reimbursable meals and a la carte purchases.

• Collect advance meal payments, maintain student account accuracy, and count cash at the end of service for daily deposit preparation.

• Complete daily task logs, including food and equipment temperature logs, production records, and cashier summary sheets.

• Assist with receiving, checking in, dating, and storing food and supply shipments weighing up to 50 lbs.

3. Food Safety, Sanitation & Workplace Safety

• Follow all Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Time as a Public Health Control (TPHC) guidelines to meet or exceed health department standards.

• Maintain proper sanitation levels in three-compartment sinks and food prep areas; clean and sanitize pots, pans, utensils, equipment, tables, and counters.

• Perform routine kitchen cleaning tasks, including sweeping, mopping, taking out garbage, high dusting, and cleaning loading docks or food storage areas.

• Label, date, wrap, and properly store leftovers and incoming stock according to inventory procedures.

• Follow all safety protocols and wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Qualifications & Skills

• Education & Experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED preferred.

  • 1–2 years of experience in institutional food preparation, food service, or customer service preferred.

• Knowledge & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of basic food safety, kitchen sanitation, and commercial equipment operation.

  • Ability to perform basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, and calculating correct change).

  • Ability to read, understand, and follow written recipes, work schedules, and safety instructions in English.

  • Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with staff and interact positively with students.

  • Basic computer skills to record work hours and navigate kitchen software if needed.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Physical Demands: Heavy standing (standing for long periods), bending, stooping, twisting, and reaching overhead.

• Lifting: Must be able to regularly lift and carry up to 25 lbs, and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

• Environment: Active commercial kitchen environment with exposure to heat, cold (coolers/freezers), noise, and cleaning chemicals. Must wear non-slip shoes and proper hair restraints.