Food Service Student Assistant

About the Role

The Food Service Student Assistant prepares meals from scratch following the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. This role supports the ASI Children’s Center Food Program, which provides breakfast, lunch, and snacks to 132 children aged 6 months to 5 years. The position emphasizes the importance of nutritious meals in fostering children’s relationships, autonomy, and development. ASI is committed to the University Learning Objectives, including ethics, diversity, sustainability, and effective communication.

This position is based at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled student at Cal Poly with a minimum of 6 units (4 units for graduate students).
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions and communicate knowledge effectively.
• Must work safely and maintain sanitation standards at all times.
• Ability to work as part of a team and provide quality customer service.
• Reliable, self-motivated, and capable of working with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail, record-keeping, and time management skills.
• Coursework in Food Science and Nutrition preferred.
• Food Safety and Sanitation Training preferred.
• Knowledge of nutritional needs of children under 5 preferred.
• Previous kitchen or cooking experience preferred.
• Must pass fingerprinting and criminal record clearance upon hiring.
• Must provide proof of good physical condition, MMR and Pertussis immunization, and a negative tuberculosis (TB) test.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food following menu and standardized preparation guidelines.
• Ensure meals are delivered to classrooms on time and at appropriate temperatures.
• Perform routine cleaning, organization, and maintenance of food program-related equipment and service areas.
• Assist in recording meal components on the Record and Menu Production Worksheet.
• Lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Maintain sanitary conditions for food preparation and ensure a safe environment.
• Attend mandatory meetings, workshops, and retreats.
• Adhere to and enforce all ASI departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain familiarity with the evacuation plan for the work area.
• Follow Children’s Center absence procedures and maintain prompt hours.
• Handle confidential information according to ASI policies.
• Demonstrate ASI values in workplace demeanor and performance.
• Act as a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Hourly pay rate: $16.90 per hour.

Position requires a minimum of two consecutive terms of work availability.