Food Service Worker - 19.5 Hours Per Week, District, Salem Public Schools [SY 2026-2027]

Food Service Worker

Reports to Kitchen Manager

Rate set by AFSCME (currently $22.79/hr), 19.5 Hours Per Week

Salem Public Schools, where belonging leads to opportunity.

Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district enrolling nearly 4,000 students in 11 schools. Our vision is to ensure that all students will be locally engaged, globally connected, and fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and changing world. We hold dear our core values of belonging, equity, and opportunity in everything we do. We seek individuals who are passionate about urban education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement for all students, regardless of ability, economic status, gender/gender identity, language, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other backgrounds. We invite you to learn more about our strategic plan and core priorities on our website.

Overall Responsibility

• Safe preparation and handling of food
• Cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and facilities
• Serving of food
• Assisting with record keeping

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Efficient, clean, and safe preparation, serving, and clean-up of daily meals
• Working knowledge and effective use of the POS system
• Able to prepare receipts for deposit
• Ability to show flexibility in tasks serving, food prep, running POS system, clean up

Performance Responsibilities

Performs efficiently and to the best of his/her ability the duties assigned in relation to preparation of food, serving of food, cleaning all areas of the kitchen, or other assigned duties, which may include operation of a cash register, in the time allotted.

• Reports to work as scheduled, sign the posted timesheet, and remain on the job until dismissal by the manager.
• Notifies the manager and the main office at the earliest possible time when unable to work.
• Maintains pleasant working relations with fellow employees by showing consideration for others: patience, respect, self-control.
• Follows all policies of the School Committee and instructions of the Kitchen Manager relating to safety measures, sanitation practices, personnel standards, work techniques, and methods of performing duties.
• Performs duties involved in the safe preparation and handling of food, cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and facilities, and serving of food.
• Assists with food preparation.
• Portions food.
• Cleans kitchen equipment and work area including floor.
• Sets up serving counter.
• Serves food on line after receiving instructions as to portion size.
• Washes dishes, trays, flatware, pots, pans and utensils.
• Washes dining room tables.
• Unpacks supplies and assists with stocking dry storage shelves and/or refrigerator shelves.
• Operates equipment properly, maintaining safety standards at all times.
• Performs duties as assigned by the Kitchen Manager.

Job Requirements

• High School Diploma (or equivalent)
• Serve Safe Certification (or equivalent) or willing to become certified
• Strong sense of customer service
• Some Computer knowledge is a plus
• Good organizational and communication skills
• Must be flexible
• Ability to lift a minimum of 30 pounds
• Sense of pride in serving healthy, nutritious meals
• Enjoy working with children
• Ability to take direction
• Bilingual, candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply
• Current authorization to work in the United States

Equal Opportunity Employer

Salem Public School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.