School Nutrition Assistant

About the role

The School Nutrition Assistant sits on the School Nutrition Team and supports the daily operation of the school cafeteria.

Responsibilities

• Prepare school breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon snacks according to established menus and schedules.
• Withdraw and prepare appropriate amounts of food from inventory each day as directed by the Cafeteria Manager.
• Follow standardized recipes, portion sizes, and food preparation procedures to ensure consistency and quality.
• Set up serving lines and breakfast carts, where applicable, ensuring menu items are available in the proper order, quantities, and temperatures.
• Ensure appropriate serving utensils, condiments, and cutlery are available for meal service.
• Serve appropriate portions and ensure students receive all required meal components in accordance with Offer Versus Serve (OVS) requirements.
• Serve students efficiently and in accordance with established school meal schedules.
• Prepare and serve high-quality, appealing meals that encourage student participation in the School Nutrition Program.
• Follow all local health department requirements and PBSA procedures related to food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations.
• Monitor and document temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, milk coolers, prepared foods, and serving-line items as required.
• Notify the Cafeteria Manager of temperature concerns, equipment issues, or other conditions that may impact food safety.
• Complete general cleaning and sanitation responsibilities according to established cleaning schedules.
• Follow appropriate wash, rinse, and sanitize procedures for ware washing.
• Assist in maintaining the security and proper storage of food, supplies, and equipment.
• Safely operate commercial kitchen equipment, including ovens, steamers, tilt skillets, sinks, and other food preparation equipment.
• Follow established procedures for the proper use and care of kitchen equipment and promptly report malfunctioning equipment to the Cafeteria Manager.
• Assist the Cafeteria Manager with receiving incoming food and supply deliveries.
• Stock deliveries and follow established food storage, rotation, and inventory procedures.
• Assist with accurate monthly inventory of purchased food and supplies.
• Maintain the integrity and accountability of the School Nutrition Program by following applicable federal, state, local, USDA, APS, and PBSA requirements.
• Ensure meals served meet applicable reimbursable meal requirements.
• Assist the Cafeteria Manager with required records and reports, including production records, temperature logs, inventory documentation, and other program records.
• Follow established school and department policies, procedures, work schedules, and assigned hours.
• Provide friendly, professional, and responsive customer service to students, families, staff, visitors, and fellow employees.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with the Cafeteria Manager, school administrators, students, and colleagues.
• Work collaboratively as a member of the School Nutrition Team to support efficient daily cafeteria operations.
• Model PBSA's core values of Wholeness, Excellence, Ownership, Learning, and Community in interactions with students, colleagues, and the school community.
• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and a willingness to support changing operational needs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Cafeteria Manager.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• ServSafe certification preferred.
• Previous volume-feeding experience in an institutional, restaurant, school, or similar food service environment preferred.
• School cafeteria or school nutrition experience preferred.
• Experience with food preparation, meal service, food storage, sanitation, and cleaning procedures preferred.
• Knowledge of basic food preparation, cooking, food storage, sanitation, and meal service practices.
• Ability to learn and consistently follow School Nutrition Program procedures, food safety requirements, and standardized recipes.
• Ability to operate commercial kitchen equipment safely and appropriately.
• Strong verbal communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, students, and school staff.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and complete assigned responsibilities accurately and efficiently.
• Strong attention to cleanliness, safety, food quality, and detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work efficiently within established meal service timelines.
• Ability to adapt to changing daily needs and support the overall operation of the cafeteria.