PART-TIME CHILD NUTRITION ASSISTANT

Job Title: Part-Time Food Service Assistant

Department: School Nutrition

Reports To: School Nutrition Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Type: Part-Time

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Part-Time Food Service Assistant performs routine food preparation, serving, cashiering, and kitchen sanitation tasks. This role supports the daily operations of the school cafeteria, ensuring students receive nutritious, high-quality meals in a clean, safe, and friendly environment in compliance with National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and food safety guidelines.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

1. Food Preparation & Service

Prepare, cook, and serve menu items following standardized recipes, portion controls, and special diet instructions.

Utilize batch cooking techniques to keep serving lines fully stocked and fresh throughout meal periods.

Prep fresh fruits and vegetables, assemble salads and wraps, pan items for baking, and prep menu items for next-day meal service.

Set up, monitor, and clean serving lines, condiment stations, milk coolers, and ice cream freezers.

Assist students, staff, and parents by answering basic questions about menu options, ingredients, food allergies, and meal components.

2. Cashiering & Basic Record Keeping

Operate the point-of-sale (POS) terminal during meal periods, accurately identifying reimbursable meals and a la carte purchases.

Collect advance meal payments, maintain student account accuracy, and count cash at the end of service for daily deposit preparation.

Complete daily task logs, including food and equipment temperature logs, production records, and cashier summary sheets.

Assist with receiving, checking in, dating, and storing food and supply shipments weighing up to 50 lbs.

3. Food Safety, Sanitation & Workplace Safety

Follow all Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Time as a Public Health Control (TPHC) guidelines to meet or exceed health department standards.

Maintain proper sanitation levels in three-compartment sinks and food prep areas; clean and sanitize pots, pans, utensils, equipment, tables, and counters.

Perform routine kitchen cleaning tasks, including sweeping, mopping, taking out garbage, high dusting, and cleaning loading docks or food storage areas.

Label, date, wrap, and properly store leftovers and incoming stock according to inventory procedures.

Follow all safety protocols and wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Qualifications & Skills

Education & Experience:

High School Diploma or GED preferred.

1–2 years of experience in institutional food preparation, food service, or customer service preferred.

Knowledge & Abilities:

Knowledge of basic food safety, kitchen sanitation, and commercial equipment operation.

Ability to perform basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, and calculating correct change).

Ability to read, understand, and follow written recipes, work schedules, and safety instructions in English.

Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with staff and interact positively with students.

Basic computer skills to record work hours and navigate kitchen software if needed.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Physical Demands: Heavy standing (standing for long periods), bending, stooping, twisting, and reaching overhead.

Lifting: Must be able to regularly lift and carry up to 25 lbs, and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

Environment: Active commercial kitchen environment with exposure to heat, cold (coolers/freezers), noise, and cleaning chemicals. Must wear non-slip shoes and proper hair restraints.