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Cafeteria Worker I

Santa Monica, CA Intern
POSTED ON 3/26/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/24/2026
Basic Function And Qualifications

Classified Employee's Salary Range: A-19

Accelerated Hire (min wage), Step B

This recruitment is to establish a six (6) month eligibility list for current vacancies and substitute opportunities.

  • Note: Ed Code 45300. Eligibility lists may be established for a period of six months upon the approval of the personnel commission as long as the six-months' duration of such a list is noted in the recruitment bulletin announcing the examination.

Basic Function

Under general supervision, perform routine food service activities related to the preparation, serving, sale and clean-up of food to students and staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Cafeteria Worker I is the entry-level classification in this series. Incumbents perform a variety of food service duties related to the preparation, set-up, serving, clean up, and cashiering for an assigned food service cafeteria.

The Cafeteria Worker II classification serves in a lead capacity in various school cafeterias and prepares daily sales reports, daily cash handling and food production records in a production kitchen requiring more experience and independent work. Incumbents in this classification will determine appropriate milk and ice cream stock, order stock from vendors, and prepare daily sales reports and cash deposits.

Education

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or recognized equivalent.

Experience

Some experience in preparing and serving large quantities of food.

Licenses And Other Requirements

Some positions in this class may be required to provide his/her own transportation between school sites and be required to possess a valid Class C driver license.

Continuing Education/Training Requirement

Each year, at least 4 - 6 hours of continuing education and/or training must be attained on topics such as:

  • Free and reduced price eligibility.
  • Application certification and verification procedures.
  • The identification of reimbursable meals at the point of service.
  • Nutrition, health, and safety standards.
  • Any other specific topics required by the USDA, Food Nutrition Services as needed to address program integrity or other critical issues.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Food Handler or ServSafe certification.

Representative Duties

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

  • Assist in the preparation and serving of breakfast, lunch, main dishes, salad bars, and snack items to students and staff in accordance with District standards and the National School Lunch Program
  • Wash, cut and prepare fresh produce for salad bars and packaged salads; prepare other short-order foods for sale.
  • Facilitate the sale and serving of food in a cart or snack bar location; stock counters and carts according to appropriate procedures.
  • Operate a cash register to receive cash and lunch cards/student IDs, maintain required records operate a computer terminal, and print reports.
  • Set up steam tables and ice beds for food service.
  • Maintain food storage, equipment, work and serving areas in a clean, sanitary, and safe condition; wash and clean counters and tables; wash and store pots, pans, trays and kitchen equipment; clean and store utensils, dishes, trays, and cafeteria equipment.
  • Operate kitchen appliances and tools such as graters, slicers, knives, ovens, steamers, tilting skillets, and other kitchen equipment.
  • Set tables for special meals as assigned.
  • Train and provide work direction to student workers as assigned.
  • Assist in the delivery of foods to other District locations as assigned.
  • Assist in the receiving and storing of food as assigned.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

NOTE: The statements listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this classification, and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge And Abilities

KNOWLEDGE OF:

  • Basic kitchen utensils and equipment.
  • Food handling techniques and kitchen sanitation. Methods of cleaning and maintaining food service areas, utensils, and equipment.

ABILITY TO:

  • Prepare and serve a variety of foods.
  • Operate appliances found in school cafeterias.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written instructions in English.
  • Read recipes and forms in English.
  • Read and write at the level necessary to perform the above duties.
  • Count money and make change accurately.
  • Operate a computer terminal or cash register.
  • Understand and apply the National School Lunch Program.
  • Maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
  • Adapt and re-prioritize as situations change.

SUPERVISION AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Supervision

Supervision is received from the Director of Food Services or Food Services Operations Supervisor; training and technical work direction may be received from a Production Kitchen Coordinator, Site Food Services Coordinator or a Cafeteria Worker II. Work direction may be exercised over student workers involved in preparing and serving food.

Environment

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Cafeteria work environment; heat from ovens and stoves and cold from walk-in refrigerators and freezers.

Physical Demands

Lifting heavy canned food cases up to forty-five (45) pounds; stooping and bending at the waist; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate various kitchen equipment and utensils; reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to store food and related materials.

Hazards

Exposure to sharp knives and slicers.

SELECTION PROCEDURES

The Application Process

To be considered for an employment opportunity with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, it is necessary for you to complete an official District Application and Supplemental Questions. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. The application is part of the examination process and is part of your total evaluation of qualifications for employment.

The Examination Process

For those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process will consist of any one or more of the following: Training and Experience Evaluation, Written Test, Performance Test, and/or Structured Interview. Additional information pertaining to the examination process will be emailed to those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications.

Examination Protests

Protest of any part of the examination process must be in writing and received in the office of the Director of Classified Personnel no later than five (5) working days from the date you were notified of examination results. All notifications are sent electronically via email. Any protest must include rationale to support the protest and must be based on illegal discrimination, abuse of discretion, or procedure/process error. We are not responsible for any incoming mail that is lost or misdirected after it has been entrusted to the US Postal Service.

Accommodation For Disabled

If you have a disability that may require an accommodation in any of these examination procedures, please notify the Personnel Commission in writing at the time you submit your application.

Establishment Of Eligibility List

This examination process shall be open to all qualified applicants and shall result in one integrated eligibility list. All eligibility lists shall be established in accordance with Personnel Commission rules and shall be established for a period one (1) year, unless otherwise noted, or until there are fewer than three (3) ranks of eligible candidates who are available. Candidates are placed on the eligibility list in rank order according to their final examination score. Final examination scores will not change, but ranking may change as other candidates are added or removed from the list.

Advanced Step Placement

Generally, new employees start at the first step on the appointed salary schedule. When filling a permanent vacancy, a new employee may request a higher salary placement based on having training and experience that greatly exceeds the minimum qualifications. An employee may submit a formal request for advanced step consideration on or after the first day of employment. Education transcripts, training certificates, and additional references may be requested for verification purposes.

How You Will Hear From Us

All correspondence and notifications regarding this recruitment will be sent to the email address you provide. It is your responsibility to review, follow instructions, and respond to information in a timely manner; as if it was a function of your job.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Duties Approved Board Of Education

1977

Classification Approved Personnel Commission

1977

Re-titled July 21, 1982

Revised September 15, 1982

Revised April 1, 1996

Revised July 12, 2011

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR

JOB APPLICANTS

ACCOMODATION FOR DISABLED: If you have a disability that may require an accommodation in any of these selection procedures, please notify the Personnel Commission in writing and attach your request to the completed application packet.

PREFERENCE POINTS: Seniority credit, based on length of service, is added to the final passing score of permanent employees. Veteran's credits are added for entry level examinations as follows: 5 points for non-disabled veterans; 10 points for disabled veterans. "Veteran" is defined as serving at least 30 days active duty during war or qualifying armed conflict. A DD-214 must be presented on or before date of the examination.

ELIGIBILITY LIST: Candidates who pass the examination will be placed in rank order on the eligibility list. Final selection will be made from the top three available ranks only. When a promotional and open eligibility list is established, the promotional list will be used first. Eligibility lists are usually established for one calendar year.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: All potential employees must provide evidence of their identity and authorization to work in the United States before they will be hired. State law requires employees to provide proof that they have had a recent negative tuberculosis test result. All new employees are fingerprinted and conviction records, if any, are checked.

SALARIES, MERIT INCREASES & ADVANCED STEP PLACEMENT: Salaries generally begin on the first step of the appropriate salary range. Permanent employees receive an increase after six months of continuous satisfactory service and equal raises based on merit at subsequent one year intervals for a total of five increases. Relevant experience and/or education in excess of entry requirements may permit employment at other than the first step. If employed at a higher step, salary increases are granted annually until reaching the end of the salary range.

BENEFITS: Permanent employees will receive paid holidays, sick leave, vacation and longevity benefits per bargaining unit contract or Personnel Commission Merit Rules. The District offers a comprehensive package of insurance benefits to full-time employees and their families, which includes major medical and dental. (Permanent employees who work less than full-time, but a minimum of four (4) hours will contribute an amount proportionate to the number of assigned hours for major medical and dental.) Employees belong to the Public Employees' Retirement System to which the District makes contributions approximately equal to those deducted from the employee's pay.

Assuring Equal Opportunities through the Merit System since 1938.

SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

PERSONNEL COMMISSION

1717 4th Street

Santa Monica, CA 90401

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District does not discriminate based on actual or perceived sex, age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, gender, mental and/or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, and a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

(Revised April 2008)

01

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT: The information you provide on this application will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications. Please be accurate, truthful, and thorough in your responses as your application is part of the selection process. Referring to your application/resume, listing "see resume", or incomplete responses will NOT qualify as a response to any question and may result in DISQUALIFICATION. Your experience, education, training, and certification must be listed on your application in order to be considered. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from this examination process and possible bar from future employment opportunities with Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.

  • I confirm that I have read, understand, and accept the above terms

02

Please read the following statement regarding compensation: New employees start on the first step (Step A) of their classification's salary range. Cafeteria Worker I begins on step B: $17.73 per hour. On the first day of employment, new employees will be given 60 days to submit a formal request for advanced step placement. Employees who have experience and education that greatly exceed the minimum qualifications may be considered for placement on steps above A. ONLY INFORMATION ON YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE USED TO DETERMINE ADVANCED STEP PLACEMENT. Transcripts, certificates, and additional references or materials may be requested for verification purposes.

  • I confirm that I have read, understand, and accept the above terms

03

Select the option below that best corresponds with your employment status:

  • I am a current employee of SMMUSD
  • I am a former employee of SMMUSD
  • Neither of the above

04

If you are a current or former employee of SMMUSD, please list the year you were hired and your classification title(s).

If you are not a current or former SMMUSD employee, type N/A.

05

Select the option below that best describes your highest level of education completed: Please provide proof of your level of education completed by attaching a diploma and/or transcripts with this application for verification purposes. FAILURE TO PROVIDE PROOF OF EDUCATION WILL RESULT IN THE REJECTION OF YOUR APPLICATION AND/OR PREVENT YOU FROM MOVING FORWARD IN THE SELECTION PROCESS.

  • High school diploma or recognized equivalent
  • Associate's degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Doctorate degree
  • None of the above

06

What best describes the amount of experience you possess working with large quantities of food in a commercial food operation such as a restaurant, hospital or school environment?

  • Less than 1 month
  • 2-5 months
  • 6-11 months
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 or more years

07

Regarding your experience referred to in the above question, briefly describe where you worked and the duties you performed. If you do not have experience in this area, type N/A.

08

Do you possess a current and valid ServSafe Food Handlers certificate?

  • Yes
  • No

09

Do you currently possess a valid California driver's license and the ability to provide your own transportation between school sites?

  • Yes
  • No

10

Availability: Select the areas you are willing to work.

  • Santa Monica ONLY
  • Malibu ONLY
  • Santa Monica and Malibu

11

Can you speak both English and Spanish fluently?

  • I speak English
  • I speak both English and Spanish fluently
  • Required Question

Salary : $18

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