Kitchen Helper - 4 hours/day - Westside Elementary School

Kitchen Helper

Initial screening of in-district applications to begin after 5 days. External applications may be screened afterward. This is a 4 hour/day position at Westside Elementary School.

Application Process:

In-district applicants (Regular employees):

Log into TalentEd/Applicant Tracking and submit your letter of interest.

External Applicants (including Substitutes and District Coaches):

Complete an electronic TalentEd/Applicant Tracking application. Include the following (all materials need to be included in your online application packet):

• Letter of interest addressed to Jordan Haas, Nutrition Services Director
• Include the names and contact numbers for three (3) work references

Or

Complete a HRCSD Classified Employment (paper) Application. Submit application to the District Office.

Application forms are available on the District website ( or at the District Office, 1011 Eugene Street, Hood River, OR 97031. Include a letter of interest and the names and contact numbers for three work references.

Job Summary:

The Kitchen Helper job classification is an entry level food service position. In addition to preparing and distributing well-balanced, attractive meals for consumption by students and school personnel that meet mandated nutritional requirements; serves as cashier; assists Cook Manager and co-workers. May require driving between the prep-kitchen at Westside Elementary School and Hood River Middle School. Provides high quality customer service. Maintains regular and predictable attendance. Washes dishes and performs other tasks as assigned by the Cook Manager. Cultivates strong teamwork and good communication in the work place. This position does not supervise others; takes direction from the Cook Manager and is supervised by the Nutrition Services Director.

Essential Job Functions:

• Prepares and serves food in accordance with the planned menu using approved standardized recipes and ensures appropriate food safety standards are maintained.
• Cashiers using the district's point-of-sale system.
• May transport food to other schools as needed, using a district provided vehicle.
• Participates in placing orders for necessary food and supplies needed for smooth operation of the food services operation at the site.
• Inspects deliveries of food items and/or supplies to verify quantities and qualities of items received and that delivery procedures comply with mandated health requirements.
• Assists Cook Manager in completing and maintaining appropriate reports and documentation to comply with federal, state, and district requirements.
• Estimates food preparation amounts to meet projected meal requirements and minimize waste.
• Participates in cultivating a working environment that fosters teamwork and communication.
• Stocks food, condiments and supplies for the purpose of maintaining adequate quantities and security of it
• Provides high quality customer service that treats students and staff in a professional and friendly manner.
• Maintains regular and appropriate attendance and is on time for assignments for the purpose of meeting the needs of the students and the district.
• Reports equipment malfunctions immediately to site Cook Manager.

Other Job Functions:

• Serves as a positive role model through appearance, personal neatness and personal habits.
• Cleans utensils, equipment, food storage containers, preparation and serving areas to maintain sanitary conditions.

Essential Job Requirements - Qualifications:

• Experience: Experience working in a school or commercial kitchen preferred. Will train those who have the ability to work in a fast-paced, team oriented work environment.
• Skills, Knowledge and/or Abilities Required: Knowledge of food safety practices and standards. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations. Skill in the use of standard office equipment including computers and required software programs. Ability to work as part of a team. Ability to communicate effectively by interacting with colleagues, community members, students and parents in a respectful and trustworthy manner. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and have the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, patrons and staff. Ability to make sound independent decisions. Ability and willingness to follow safe and appropriate workplace practices, standards and expectations. Ability to meet the physical requirements of this position. Ability to drive a district van and transport food items to other district locations.
• Education Required: High School diploma or GED equivalent recommended.
• License/Certification Required: Possess and maintain a valid Oregon Food Handler's certificate and a valid driver's license.
• Bilingual ability in Spanish and English preferred.

Required testing:

• Drug screening tests for any illegal drug or substance classified in Schedules I through V under the Federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 811 to 812. This includes, but is not limited to, marijuana, mind-altering substances or narcotic drugs such as hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, or any other illegal drug or controlled substance, except those federally recognized as legally prescribed by a physician and used as directed.
• Post-offer physical abilities assessment.
• Nationwide criminal history verification - a background check for any convictions directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the position. Unless otherwise required by law, only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the applicant from employment.
• Fingerprint-based nation-wide criminal background clearance.

The salary range listed below is for the 2026/27 school year. Classified employees who pass the District's English/Spanish bilingual test will earn an additional 5% per hour.

HOOD RIVER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Disabled persons may contact Hood River County School District at View phone number on click.appcast.io for additional information or assistance. Speech or hearing impaired persons may contact Hood River County School District for assistance through the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing View phone number on click.appcast.io.