Cafeteria Worker VPS

Cafeteria Worker

Reports to: Cafeteria Manager Date Revised: 08-24-2026 Dept./School: Child Nutrition

Primary Purpose

Work under moderate supervision to prepare and serve appropriate quantities of food to meet menu requirements. Maintain high standards of quality in food production, sanitation, and safety practices.

Qualifications

Education/Certification: None specified

Special Knowledge/Skills: Ability to understand written and verbal food preparation and safety instructions Working knowledge of kitchen equipment and food production procedures Ability to operate large and small kitchen equipment and tools Ability to perform basic math Experience: None

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Food Preparation and Serving

1. Prepare quality food according to a planned menu of tested and uniform recipes.
2. Serve food according to meal schedules, departmental policies, and procedures, and practice and promote portion control and proper use of leftovers.
3. Store and handle food items and supplies safely and according to established procedures. Maintain a clean and organized storage area.

Safety and Sanitation

1. Operate tools and equipment according to prescribed safety standards, and follow established procedures to meet high standards of cleanliness, health, and safety.
2. Keep garbage collection containers and areas neat and sanitary.
3. Correct unsafe conditions in work area and promptly report any conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor.
4. Maintain personal appearance and hygiene.

Other

1. Handle and record cashier functions accurately.
2. Help record food requisitions and order necessary supplies.
3. Maintain daily food preparation records.
4. Promote teamwork and interaction with fellow staff members.
5. Complete annual continuing education requirements.
6. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard large and small kitchen equipment and tools including electric slicer, mixer, pressure steamer, deep-fat fryer, sharp cutting tools, stove, oven, dishwasher, and food/utility cart

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stoop, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Continual walking; frequent climbing (ladder), grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, reaching/overhead reaching

Lifting: Frequent moderate lifting and carrying (1544 pounds)

Environment: Work inside in commercial kitchen environment; exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, extreme humidity, noise, vibration, microwaves, biological hazards (bacteria, mold, fungi), chemical hazards (fumes, vapors, gases), electrical hazards; work with hands in water; work around machinery with moving parts; work on slippery surfaces

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.