Food Service Specialist - IDEA Mission (Immediate Opening)

About the Role

The CNP Food Service Specialist (FSS) assists with the operation of a food preparation and service establishment. Working under the supervision of the Cafeteria Manager, the specialist serves customers, stocks supplies, operates equipment, maintains clean areas, and operates the point‑of‑sale (POS) system. The role frequently serves large groups such as students and includes monitoring student behavior during meal periods.

Responsibilities

• Assist in food preparation, food safety, and food quality assurance for students.
• Provide customer service and interact daily with staff, students, and families.
• Operate food‑service equipment, maintain service spaces, and report equipment malfunctions to the manager.
• Perform cafeteria cleaning duties: sweeping, mopping, wiping tables, washing dishes, disposing of trash, and moving tables or mobile vending stations.
• Load and unload food and non‑food products on a weekly basis.
• Encourage students to participate in the meal program and ensure accurate meal counts.
• Offer reimbursable meals to eligible students and ensure meals are ready according to campus schedules (breakfast, lunch, snack, supper).
• Follow all recipes and report any errors to the Cafeteria Manager.
• Adhere to established processes and procedures; discuss any deviations with the manager.

Requirements

• 1+ years of work experience involving physical activity on foot for multiple hours.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lb solo and up to 50 lb with a partner; bend, pull, push, twist, stand, and walk during shifts.
• Ability to obtain a locally‑recognized manager food‑safety certification.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, push, pull, stoop, bend, kneel, climb ladders, and tolerate moderate exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures.
• Capability to handle mixed weights, including cafeteria tables, carts, and trash containers.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic decision‑making: gather information, evaluate options, and choose actions aligned with responsibilities and team goals.
• Work and time management: prioritize tasks, self‑organize, and meet personal and team objectives.
• Growth mindset: seek feedback, embrace challenges, and pursue professional development.
• Trust building: maintain self‑awareness, practice transparency, and contribute positively to team morale.
• Deliberate communication: express ideas clearly, listen actively, and adapt messages based on audience feedback.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical plan with majority of employee premium covered; subsidies for spouse/domestic partner and children.
• Paid Family Leave: up to 8 weeks for birth or adoption, based on tenure and caregiver designation.
• Tuition reimbursement: up to 50 % of tuition, maximum $5,250 per year, subject to manager discretion.
• Employer‑paid mental/behavioral health: 5 face‑to‑face counseling sessions annually, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and additional work‑life services at no cost.
• Dental and vision plans, disability and life insurance, parenting benefits, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, and professional development opportunities.
• Potential relocation allowance, if applicable.

Pay

Hourly rate ranges from $14.38 (0 years experience) to $16.54 (with experience). Eligible for a performance bonus based on team performance and goal attainment.