Child Nutrition Operator

Child Nutrition Operator

Performs a variety of duties in the preparation and service of nutritious meals to students, staff and visitors. Maintains a clean and sanitary work area and follows established procedures, standards and regulations. Reports to the Cafeteria Manager.

Prepares, cooks, and/or bakes food items for student and staff meals, in the prescribed quantity and as scheduled. Monitors cooking times and temperatures to ensure thorough heating as required for consumer safety.

Effectively plans and coordinates work so that foods will be ready at required times.

Always ensures that all foods meet existing standards for quality, freshness, taste and appearance and ensures that required sanitary levels are maintained throughout the food preparation process.

Serves students and staff from the cafeteria counter; keeps dispensing and related equipment full and operating for service. Effectively maintains prepared and partially prepared foods in optimum condition until served. Devises best methods of presentation.

Maintains the cleanliness of the kitchen and cafeteria areas, washes dishes, clears counters, sweep and mop floors, clean freezers, coolers, and storage areas; cleans kitchen appliances, clean and maintains the garbage collection area. Ensures that all cooking equipment and utensils are inspected and maintained for proper operation.

Assists in stocking supplies and monitoring inventory; rotates food products as scheduled.

Performs all duties in compliance with school and district policies, procedures and standards of quality and safety.

Prepares and/or submits various logs, charts, order forms, and other records as required.

Operates a variety of kitchen equipment, including a dishwasher, steamer, kettles, oven, slicer, mixer, fryer, braising pan, grinder, freezer, cooler, small appliances, etc. Exercises care and safety in the use of equipment and tools required to complete assigned tasks.

Interacts with immediate supervisor, students, parents, teachers, school staff and administration.

Performs other related duties as required.

Requires a high school diploma, GED or specialized training and/or experience in institutional food service. Must possess a valid state driver's license or have reliable transportation. Must complete the 2 hour ServSafe class.

Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Newberry County School District as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Operator. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures and related information. Has knowledge of the principles and practices of institutional food service operations; has skill in the preparation and service of appetizing meals to large numbers of customers. Has knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade. Is able to ensure the cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen utensils, serving ware, cookware, surfaces, etc., through thorough and frequent cleaning. Is able to monitor and ensure the maintenance of proper food temperatures.

Has knowledge of proper food storage methods. Is able to read and interpret various materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to use independent judgment in performing routine tasks. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with co-workers, customers and other District personnel through contact and cooperation. Is able to offer assistance to fellow employees as necessary. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.

Ability to conduct food preparation and service activities in an effective and timely manner in accordance with all applicable regulations, standards and requirements. Ability to interact in an effective manner with co-workers, supervisor, students, teachers, and the general public. Ability to operate and utilize all food service equipment, tools and materials in a safe and effective manner. Ability to maintain food service areas, equipment and utensils.

Conducts duties in a cafeteria/kitchen environment with routine exposure to discomforting conditions such as heat, cold, food preparation equipment and utensils, smoke and steam.

Requires ability to work under a degree of stress related to duties that require attention, and meeting deadlines. Physical demands are restricted to kitchen work requiring the lifting/moving of items weighing up to fifty pounds. Job requires the operation of standard cafeteria/food service equipment.

No budgetary or supervisory responsibility.

This job description is not intended as a complete listing of job duties. The incumbent is responsible for the performance of other related duties as assigned/required.

Performance of this job evaluated annually according to Board Policy.