Kitchen Assistant

About the role

Responsible for providing assistance in the daily preparation of the school lunch program. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community members and school clientele.

Responsibilities

• Pursue opportunities to create positive relationships with the surrounding community, including other Nutrition Services staff, school staff, students and parents.
• Focus on customer service; be pleasant, cooperative and able to work with a wide variety of people.
• Flexibility in learning new concepts, cooperate with others, and adapt to a variety of assignments and conditions.
• Communicate effectively in both written and verbal form, including electronic mail and computers.
• Maintain confidentiality of all student information.
• Participate in training, including PGI Classes, and may lead training for other kitchen staff members.
• Annually complete all USDA Mandatory Professional Standards training hours, as required by position category.
• Actively pursue upcoming regulatory changes and provide sustainable solutions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.
• Travel to multiple schools based on site needs, if requested.
• Flexibility in work schedule to meet the demands of the kitchen sites.
• Assist in the preparation, service, and sale of meals ensuring compliance with department regulations.
• Prepare meals by washing, cleaning, peeling, cutting and chopping fresh fruits, vegetables and meat items, following standard recipes, proper portion sizes and verbal instructions.
• Set up and clean serving areas for timely service to students, including dishwashing and sanitation of work stations.
• Follow and understand all HACCP standards; use kitchen equipment properly and clean it following safety precautions.
• Serve meals daily while complying with school food regulations and health department sanitation standards, ensuring proper cooking and serving temperatures are taken and recorded as required by HACCP.
• Independently follow menu and recipe instructions, producing meals that meet regulations for preparation, temperature, appearance and portion sizes.
• Assist in unloading and proper storage of delivered food items.
• Learn and operate Point of Sale system and reconcile monies daily to ensure accuracy.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, reaching, lifting (including occasional overhead lifting), bending, kneeling, stooping, squatting, climbing, pushing, twisting, and pulling items weighing 40 lbs or less.
• Standing or walking 95 % of the work day.
• Occasional climbing and balancing using a step stool.
• Repetitive motions including lifting, keypad entry, chopping, filling and sealing packaging.
• Fast repeated movements of fingers, hands and wrists.
• Use both hands to grasp, grip, move or operate objects or equipment.

Education

High School or Equivalent.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to support positive outcomes.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Generally positive attitude.
• Observes all District policies and procedures.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills in English and ability to read and comprehend written/graphic and oral instructions.

Certifications

• USDA Mandatory Professional Standards training (annual completion required).

Pay

• Minimum Hire Rate: $17.39 USD per hour.
• Maximum Hire Rate: $22.14 USD per hour.
• Full Salary Range: $17.39 USD – $26.89 USD per hour (based on full‑time 1.0 FTE; part‑time prorated).

Schedule

• Primary Location: Cresthill Middle School.
• Regular position, 30 scheduled hours per week (0.75 FTE).
• Approximately 172 scheduled work days per year (260 days indicates a year‑round position; time off granted based on position).

Benefits

• Health, vision, dental insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• District‑paid and voluntary supplemental life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability, critical illness and accident voluntary insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Voluntary 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plan options.

Time Off Plans

• Eligible for paid sick and personal time.