2026-27 Nutrition Services Associates

Nutrition Services Associate

Primarily responsible for the safe and efficient service of nutritious meals to students and/or staff. This role supports the overall kitchen operation by assisting with various duties, including food preparation, and working as a team to maintain clean, organized, and safe food service areas while ensuring compliance with health and sanitation standards (HACCP) and providing friendly customer service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Reports to work as scheduled on a regular and reliable basis.
• Works as a team member under the direct supervision of the Nutrition Services Manager and guidance of the Nutrition Services Cook to ensure meals are served efficiently and kitchen operations run smoothly.
• Assists in the preparation of hot and cold food items (e.g., salads, main dishes) according to standardized recipes and, in many cases, ensures compliance with USDA school lunch guidelines.
• Performs various assigned duties, which may include operating as a cashier (using POS systems), setting up and stocking serving lines (e.g., steam tables), washing dishes and utensils (dishwasher), and operating kitchen equipment such as a fryer. The role may be assigned all or some of these duties at any time.
• When operating a point-of-sale (POS) system, accurately charges meals to the correct student or staff account in accordance with Board policy and/or department procedures.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of all kitchen, service, and food preparation areas, including dishes and utensils.
• Follows all food safety and sanitation procedures, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), a system used to prevent food safety risks by monitoring critical points like food temperatures and proper storage.
• Interacts positively and provides friendly customer service to all students, staff, and visitors.
• Recognizes reimbursable meals.
• Adheres to strict food allergy protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred but not required.
• 1-2 years of experience in a school kitchen or commercial kitchen environment is preferred but not required.
• Ability to safely use basic kitchen tools and equipment.

Hours/Schedule: Nutrition Services Associates are part-time employees and are scheduled between 3-6.5 hours per day. This position is expected to work all student days (approximately 177 days). Nutrition Services Associates may be required to attend professional development sessions on non-student days as well.

Rate of pay: The current base rate for nutrition services associates is $14.00 per hour. Depending on previous work experience or any relatable education or certifications you may hold, this rate could increase by $1.00 to $2.00 more per hour. Final determination of applicants individual starting pay rate will be determined by the Business Office/HR.

Benefits: As a part-time school-year employee scheduled daily Monday through Friday on student attendance days, this position is eligible for a $20,000 life insurance policy at no cost and has the option to enroll in a few supplemental insurance programs (vision, accident/critical illness). All staff are automatically enrolled from day one, in the state sponsored retirement program, IPERS. The District contributes 9.44% of your wages to this. IPERS requires that you contribute 6.29% of your wages. Paid Leaves/Holidays: The District offers both paid sick leave and paid personal leave along with 5 paid holidays for part-time school-year employees; Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Memorial Day. Only part-time school-year custodians are eligible for paid leaves and holidays.

Lewis Central Community School District