Kitchen Assistant (Positions Available for the 2026-2027 School Year)

About the role

The Kitchen Assistant assists in the daily preparation of the school lunch program, develops and promotes good community relations, and ensures compliance with all school food regulations and health department sanitation standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the proper set up and cleanup of serving areas for timely service to students, including dishwashing and proper sanitation of work stations.
• Follows and understands all HACCP standards. Uses all kitchen equipment properly. Cleans equipment properly and follows all safety precautions.
• Serve meals daily while complying with all school food regulations and ensure health department sanitation standards. This includes ensuring the proper cooking and serving temperatures of foods are taken and recorded as required by HACCP standards.
• Independently follows menu and recipe instructions. Must produce and understand the regulations regarding preparation, proper food temperatures, appearance and portion sizes.
• Absolutely necessary to assist in unloading and proper storage of delivered food items.
• Learn and Operate Point of Sale system and reconcile monies daily to ensure accuracy.
• Pursue opportunities to create positive relationships with the surrounding community, including other Nutrition Services staff, school staff, students and parents. Must have a focus on customer service. Must be pleasant, cooperative and able to work with a wide variety of people.
• Flexibility in learning new concepts, cooperates with others, and adapts 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 to include PGI Classes. May lead training for other kitchen staff members.
• Must annually complete all USDA Mandatory Professional Standards training hours, as required by position category.
• Actively pursue upcoming regulatory changes and provide sustainable solutions.
• Willing to travel to multiple schools based on the needs of sites, 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. Preparation of meals can include washing, cleaning, peeling, cutting and chopping fresh fruits, vegetables and meat items.
• Must follow standard recipe, proper portion sizes and verbal instructions.

Requirements

Current DCSD employees must apply through their district log-on. This application is for external candidates only.

Qualifications

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

Skills

• Collaborative teamwork.
• Customer service orientation.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Effective communication.
• Organizational and time management skills.

Benefits

• This position is eligible for voluntary 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plans.
• This position is eligible for paid sick and personal time.

Pay

$17.39 USD - $26.89 USD Hourly

Schedule

Full-time (40 hours per week)