Kitchen Aide - School Lunch Program

Scope:
Under the direct supervision of the Kitchen Manager, the Kitchen Aide assists with the preparation and service of nutritious, well-balanced meals for students and staff. The position plays a key role in ensuring food is safely and efficiently prepared, served, and stored, while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and food safety in all kitchen and dishwashing areas.

Examples of Job Duties:

• Assist in preparing and serving all school meals as directed, including food preparation tasks such as washing, chopping, and peeling.
• Perform routine kitchen duties including inventory checks, daily foodservice preparation, dishwashing, and general kitchen clean-up.
• Support the preparation and packaging of meals for off-site service, including reviewing pack-out requests and ensuring accuracy.
• Participate in the routine cleaning and sanitizing of kitchen equipment, food prep stations, and storage areas.
• Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to students’ food allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Maintain respectful, positive communication with students, staff, and parents.
• Follow all District policies and procedures, including confidentiality and food safety regulations.
• Adhere to all required health and safety rules and procedures.
• May be asked to substitute for the Kitchen Manager in their absence.
• Attend required staff meetings and in-service training (including summer sessions).
• Perform other food service-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of food preparation and service procedures.
• Familiarity with safe food handling, storage, and sanitation protocols.
• Understanding of inventory control and kitchen supply organization.
• Ability to safely operate standard kitchen equipment and tools.
• Ability to follow recipes and food preparation instructions accurately.
• Ability to lift, carry, and unload up to 30 pounds.
• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to follow written and verbal directions.
• Maintains a professional appearance and practices proper personal hygiene.
• Demonstrates teamwork, dependability, and a willingness to assist wherever needed.

Working Environment & Physical Requirements:
The job’s functions requires the following physical demands: occasional lifting (30 pounds maximum), carrying, pushing and/or pulling; some climbing; some stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; and significant reaching, handling, speaking, writing, hearing, and fine finger dexterity; frequent standing, walking, and sitting, and lifting up to 30 pounds. High volume of work and strict adherence to workload may be stressful.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Qualified Food Operator (QFO) Certificate, if required.
• Basic math and computation skills.
• Ability to take direction, learn quickly, and work effectively with individuals of all ages.