School Food Service Worker

Position Type:
Support Staff

Date Posted:
10/1/2026

Location:
Multi-Site

Date Available:
10/14/2026
School Food Service Worker (School Nutrition Program)

Position Title: School Food Service Worker / Food Service Assistant


Reports To: Food Service Director / Cafeteria Manager


Classification: Non-Exempt, Part-Time/Full-Time

Position Summary:

The School Food Service Worker plays a vital role in student health and academic success by preparing, serving, and distributing nutritious meals in a clean, safe, and welcoming cafeteria environment. This position involves direct interaction with students, staff, and faculty, adhering strictly to local health department codes and National School Lunch Program (NSLP) guidelines

Core Responsibilities

• Food Preparation & Cooking: Assist in prepping, cooking, and baking nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack items according to standardized recipes and portion controls.


• Meal Service: Set up serving lines, stock stations with utensils and condiments, and portion meals accurately to ensure efficient, friendly service during designated lunch and breakfast periods.


• Sanitation & Cleanliness: Wash dishes, pots, pans, and kitchen utensils using commercial dishwashers or standard three-compartment sinks. Clean and sanitize prep counters, service lines, tables, and kitchen equipment regularly.


• Inventory & Storage: Assist in receiving, inspecting, and unloading food and supply deliveries. Organize stock room, walk-in refrigerators, and freezers using the First In, First Out (FIFO) inventory method.


• Safety & Compliance: Monitor and log food and equipment temperatures to ensure compliance with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) safety principles and local health department guidelines.


• Point of Sale (POS) Operation: Operate the cafeteria cash register or digital meal tracking system, process student account payments, and maintain total confidentiality of student eligibility status.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.


• Experience: Prior experience in commercial or institutional food service, catering, or customer service is a plus, but entry-level applicants are welcome.


• Skills: Basic math skills for measuring ingredients and operating cash registers; ability to work efficiently under tight schedules; excellent teamwork and interpersonal communication skills.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions


• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach continuously for shifts lasting up to 4 to 8 hours.


• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, or pull kitchen items weighing up to 40-50 pounds.


• Comfortable working in standard school kitchen environments, which involve exposure to commercial ovens, walk-in freezers, steam tables, loud dishwashers, and damp or wet floors.

The Wayne County School System does not discriminate based on race, gender, age, or disability.