Food Service Worker

Food Service Worker

The Food Service Worker at Algona Middle School plays a vital role in ensuring that students receive nutritious, safe, and appealing meals throughout the school day. This position involves preparing, serving, and maintaining food service areas in compliance with health and safety standards. The role requires close collaboration with kitchen staff and school personnel to support efficient meal service operations. The Food Service Worker contributes to creating a positive dining experience that supports student well-being and academic success. Ultimately, this position helps foster a healthy school environment by promoting proper nutrition and sanitation practices.

Job Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals and snacks according to established menus and portion sizes.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of food preparation and serving areas in compliance with health regulations.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently while following all safety guidelines.
• Assist in receiving, storing, and organizing food supplies to ensure freshness and proper inventory management.
• Engage courteously with students and staff, providing friendly and efficient service during meal times.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to understand and communicate effectively in English.
• Demonstrated manual dexterity to handle food preparation and serving tasks.
• Capability to stand for extended periods during meal service hours.
• Knowledge of basic sanitization and food safety practices.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a food service or cafeteria environment.
• Certification in food handling or safety (e.g., ServSafe).
• Familiarity with school nutrition programs and regulations.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Skills

The required skills such as understanding and speaking English are essential for clear communication with team members and students, ensuring smooth daily operations. Manual dexterity is used continuously when preparing and serving food, handling utensils, and operating kitchen equipment safely. Standing for long periods is a physical demand of the role, as meal service requires consistent presence and attentiveness. Sanitization skills are critical to maintain a clean and safe environment, preventing contamination and ensuring compliance with health standards. Preferred skills like food safety certification and prior experience enhance the ability to manage food service tasks efficiently and contribute to a positive, well-organized kitchen atmosphere.

* Food Service experience preferred/customer service experience desired* Ability to do simple arithmetic* Ability to make correct change and use a basic computation device* Contributes to a positive work environment* Demonstrates integrity and respects confidentiality* Dependable, punctual* An independent self-starter able to meet deadlines* Maintain a professional appearance* Follows food safety requirements/guidelines* Successfully pass a criminal background checkEOE/AA