Food Service Worker

Food Service WorkerThe Food Service Worker at Algona Middle School plays a vital role in ensuring that students receive nutritious, safe, and appealing meals throughout the school day. This position involves preparing, serving, and maintaining food service areas in compliance with health and safety standards. The Food Service Worker contributes to a positive dining experience by efficiently managing food portions and assisting with meal setup and cleanup. This role requires close collaboration with kitchen staff and school personnel to meet dietary guidelines and accommodate special dietary needs. Ultimately, the Food Service Worker supports the overall well-being and academic success of students by providing consistent access to healthy meals in a clean and welcoming environment.Job ResponsibilitiesPrepare and serve meals and snacks according to established menus and portion sizes.Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of food preparation and serving areas in compliance with health regulations.Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently while following all safety protocols.Assist in receiving, storing, and organizing food supplies to ensure freshness and proper inventory management.Engage courteously with students and staff, addressing questions and accommodating special dietary requests when possible.Minimum QualificationsAbility to understand and communicate effectively in English.Demonstrated manual dexterity and ability to perform repetitive tasks with hands.Capability to stand for extended periods during shifts.Knowledge of basic food safety and sanitation practices.High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.Preferred QualificationsPrevious experience in a food service or cafeteria environment.Certification in food handling or safety (e.g., ServSafe).Familiarity with nutritional guidelines for school meal programs.Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.Basic math skills for portion control and inventory tracking.SkillsThe required skills such as understanding and speaking English are essential for clear communication with team members and students, ensuring smooth daily operations. Manual dexterity is critical for handling food items safely and efficiently, as well as operating kitchen tools and equipment. The ability to stand for long periods supports the physical demands of meal preparation and service during busy school hours. Knowledge of sanitization practices is applied continuously to maintain a hygienic environment, preventing contamination and ensuring compliance with health standards. Preferred skills like food safety certification and experience enhance the worker's ability to manage food quality and safety proactively, contributing to a reliable and pleasant dining experience for all students.* Food Service experience preferred/customer service experience desired* Ability to do simple arithmetic* Ability to make correct change and use a basic computation device* Contributes to a positive work environment* Demonstrates integrity and respects confidentiality* Dependable, punctual* An independent self-starter able to meet deadlines* Maintain a professional appearance* Follows food safety requirements/guidelines* Successfully pass a criminal background checkEOE/AA