Food Services Cook

Code

JP125163 - 232

Job Family

Food Service Workers

Job Class

Classified

JOB POSTING NOTIFICATION

Date of Posting: July 1, 2026

Closing Date: Until Filled (Application review will begin immediately)

Position Title: Kitchen Helper

Location: TBD

Wage: $17.25 per hour

*If you are currently employed with the District and you are interested in a transfer to this position, please complete an Internal application through the Employee Access Portal:

Application Material:

• Completed Polson School District Classified Staff Application in the Polson School District Employment website:

• Successful Fingerprint Background Check

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary, benefits and other working conditions are determined by the Polson School District. The workday is established by the Board of Trustees and may increase or decrease in hours dependent upon the needs of the district. Dependent upon the number of hours assigned, the employee may or may not be eligible for insurance benefits.

Polson School District #23

Job Description

Kitchen Helper

REPORTS TO: FOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prepares and serves food according to USDA school meal programs standards, including preparing standardized recipes, safe allergen procedures, and following the menu.

• Assists in cleaning the food preparation and food service areas.

• Assists in the disposal and storage of unused food.

• Stores food in designated containers and according to food safety principles to prevent spoilage.

• Attends all required staff meetings and trainings that will be scheduled with prior notice to staff.

• Provides customer service to students, school staff, and guests, ensuring that customers receive high-quality service and meals in a caring atmosphere.

• Displays a pleasant demeanor to customers and colleagues at all times, including during stressful situations.

• Express himself/herself clearly and concisely in both oral and written communications, including ability to accurately record time and temperature logs and production records.

• Handles food safely according to Food Service departmental procedures and policies, Montana Food Code, and school HACCP plan.

• Able to manage time and responsibilities to meet departmental goals.

• Actively contributes to the success of Food Service Department team by performing other duties as assigned.

Only minimum duties and functions are listed. Other functions may be required as given or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED.

• Positively and professionally perform all the functions of the position while providing excellent customer service.

• ServeSafe Food Handler certified or able to complete food safety training within 30 days of hire.

• Able to write, read, and comprehend simple instructions and correspondence.

• Prepare a wide variety of recipes in quantity.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Previous experience and/or education in quantity food preparation and service.

Exhibit interest in the culinary arts and passion for serving healthy, tasty school meals to Polson School District students, staff, and guests. Knowledge of and willingness to work towards policy, systems, and environmental strategies that contribute to healthy school meals for all Polson School District children.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer, calculator, cash register, copy machine, fax machine, telephone/voice mail, oven, dishwasher, and other kitchen equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The employee constantly works around others, with students, school staff, parents and the public. The employee works mainly inside but occasionally will transport food and/or equipment between and among school sites. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud. The employee has a greater than average risk of getting a minor injury such as a cut or burn while performing the duties of this job. The employee occasionally will be working in temperatures about 100 degrees and will be walking on slippery surfaces.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The employee is frequently required to walk and continuously required to stand. The employee will frequently bend or twist at the neck and waist while performing the duties of this position. The employee will occasionally be required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee continuously uses hand strength to grasp tools. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision.

MENTAL/MOTOR DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee rarely performs routine work. The employee exercises flexibility (ability to shift from one task to another). Guidance and reinforcement are infrequently available. The employee frequently works within time constraints and must maintain attentiveness intensity. The employee is frequently involved in social interactions which require oral and written communication, as well as a cheerful, positive demeanor with students, staff, parents and community. Memory, reasoning, and exercising judgment are constantly used and required on the job. Mathematics, estimating, and problem-solving are also frequently used and required on the job.

The physical demands, work-environment characteristics, and mental/motor demands described within this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board?s policy on evaluation of Food Services personnel.

Location : Polson School District Administration Office, 111 4th Ave E , Polson , Montana 59860