Nutrition Services Assistant (Cook) 8hr (2026-2027)

Nutrition Service Assistant (Cook)

Under the supervision of the Unit Supervisor and/or Assistant Unit Supervisor, the Food Service Assistant must be efficient in the preparation of high-quality meals for District #86 students and staff and affiliated organizations. This will include preparation and cooking of meals, packing meals for transport, serving meals to junior high school students and staff, cashier duty, dishwashing, sweeping, mopping, and catering as required.

Salary and Benefits: In accordance with the collective bargaining agreement between the Board of School Inspectors of School District 86, SCHOOL-RELATED PERSONNEL COUNCIL AFT-Local 604.

Maximum 5 years full-time experience.

Reports to: Director of Nutrition Services, Nutrition Services Coordinator, Nutrition Services Supervisor.

Relates to: School Principal, Assistant Principal.

Position Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma or GED program.
2. Must have a minimum of one year production experience in a high-volume institutional or commercial food service operation.
3. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of high-volume institutional food service recipes and production methods.
4. Understanding of and ability to properly operate all appropriate kitchen equipment.
5. Fluent in Reading, Writing, and Speaking English.
6. Must either hold a current Will County sanitation certificate or be able to obtain such, within one year of employment.
7. Must be able to physically perform all duties associated with the position.
8. Must be able to work efficiently and cooperatively with a wide variety of people.

Responsibilities:

1. Performs duties involved in the safe preparation and handling of food, cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and facilities.
2. Practices safety precaution measures in all phases of food service operation.
3. Exhibits knowledge of operating all equipment, work techniques, and methods of performing duties.
4. Exhibits willingness to work in any situation.
5. Preparation and cooking of all pertinent food products required for:
• Junior High Students
• Elementary Students
• District Faculty
• Contract Accounts
6. Prepares meals for individual service and packs them in insulated food transporters for delivery to elementary schools.
7. Preparation and service of catered events within the district.
8. Follows all recipe and production procedures as instructed to ensure the highest quality product.
9. Follows all mandated procedures to ensure safe handling of food products.
10. Serves meals to junior high students, faculty, and staff in the school cafeteria.
11. Assumes cashier duties as assigned, following procedures for proper distribution of Type A meals, ensuring proper accounting of various meal categories.
12. Maintains proper sanitary conditions in production and serving areas as instructed.
13. Any cleaning as directed to include, dishwashing, equipment cleaning, sweeping and wet mopping as necessary.
14. Heavy lifting, bending, and prolonged periods of standing are required.
15. Must be able to work in extreme conditions and able to withstand temperature fluctuations.
16. Must be able to work cohesively and communicate effectively under stressful conditions.
17. Maintains positive customer relations with students, faculty, and staff.
18. All other duties as assigned by the Director of Nutrition Services and/or designee.

The information contained in this job description complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties performed by the individual holding this position may be assigned.

Physical Demands: Exposed to heat from ovens, burners and steam trays; exposed to cutting and slicing equipment and machines with moving parts; required to stand for prolonged periods; required to move heavy supplies and full pans of food weighing up to fifty (50) pounds; exposed to high noise levels from kitchen equipment and students at meals; required to wear protective clothing; may need to take precautions to avoid exposure to cleaners and fumes; potentially exposed to ordinary infectious diseases carried by students.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employee will have frequent interruptions; required to meet inflexible deadlines; requires concentration and attention to detail.