School Cafeteria Food Service Staff

Job Description

Job Description

School Cafeteria Food Service Staff work in a scratch kitchen using standardized recipes to prepare and serve fresh, nutritionally compliant school meals. Staff work collaboratively throughout each shift to ensure efficient, high-quality service. Adherence to Health Department regulations, food safety standards, and USDA compliance requirements is expected at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as part of a team to support daily cafeteria operations
• Prepare, portion, and serve USDA-compliant school meals
• Follow standardized recipes, prep lists, and in-service instructions provided by the Kitchen Manager
• Perform dishwashing, food preparation, cooking, and cleaning tasks
• Set up and stock stations with required tools, products, and supplies
• Execute receiving procedures and maintain proper food storage standards
• Maintain basic meal service records, production logs, and meal counts
• Ensure menu items are prepared and served in a timely, efficient manner while upholding quality and presentation standards
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and cleaning procedures
• Ensure compliance with nutrition, sanitation, safety, and industry best practices
• Communicate daily product, supply, and equipment needs to the Kitchen Manager
• Execute daily service standards for each meal period
• Attend required and/or optional special events and training sessions outside of standard school hours, as scheduled
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team
• Reliable, punctual, and able to manage time efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to cleanliness, safety, and consist
• Ability to engage positively with students, staff, and teammates
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physical tasks
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance

Preferred:

• Experience in school foodservice, hospitality, or large-scale meal service
• Experience with scratch cooking and basic food preparation techniques
• Experience working with children or in a community-focused setting

Work Environment

• School kitchen and cafeteria setting
• Exposure to hot equipment, food service tools and cleaning products
• Early morning hours may be required