Nutrition Services Associate - Elementary 5 hours/day

About the Role

5 hrs./day, during school day hours. Effective date of employment is ASAP. Application deadline is September 28, 2026 – 4:00 p.m.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or GED required.
• Basic arithmetic, reading, and writing skills.
• Ability to safely lift up to 40 pounds, stand on a hard surface for 3-6 hours, and perform bending, twisting, and repetitive motions.
• Experience in institutional food service operations and/or school foodservice helpful.
• Must complete Serve Safe course and pass exam with 70% accuracy or higher within 1 year of hire date.
• Previous knowledge of point of sale experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and manage time efficiently.
• Demonstrated experience and proficiency working with a culturally, ethnically, racially, and socioeconomically diverse school community is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Comply with food service manager's instructions on production, preparation, and service of food.
• Account for meals (reimbursement and à la carte sales) according to department standards.
• Follow food service manager's instructions on clean-up of kitchen, serving area, cafeteria, and dishroom.
• Adhere to safety standards in handling, preparation, storing, and serving food.
• Operate computerized point of sale equipment to process students through breakfast and lunch lines.
• Work efficiently and cooperatively with other employees.
• Attend job-related training classes and workshops.
• Interact with students in a positive and professional manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Compensation

Nutrition Services Associate: $20.91 - $23.42 hourly, based on the 2026-27 contract.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Sick leave
• State pension plan
• Tax-deferred retirement savings account
• Flexible spending account
• Vacation, holidays, or personal leave (for eligible employee groups)

About Us

Our team of dedicated educators is committed to the mission of educating, developing, and inspiring our students for lifelong success. Our core values are student-centered, based in empathy and integrity to support the wellbeing of the whole person, and learning with high expectations for all. Our culture of collaboration fosters an environment of inclusivity, engagement, and belonging for all students and inspires a love of learning for all ages.

District 196 is a Minnesota public school district serving over 29,000 students and 160,000 residents across multiple cities. As the third-largest school district in Minnesota, we are among the largest employers in Dakota County, with more than 4,000 employees. We have been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best-in-State Employers multiple times.

We operate 20 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, 4 high schools, an optional School of Environmental Studies, an Area Learning Center, a K-12 special education school, and various other programs. Our district is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment that prepares students for lifelong success.