FOOD SERVICES WORKER

Thorndale Independent School District

Position Summary

The School Food Services Worker assists with the preparation, serving, and cleanup of meals and snacks for students and staff. This position helps ensure that meals are prepared and served safely, efficiently, and in accordance with district, state, and federal nutrition and food safety requirements.

The successful candidate will be dependable, hardworking, cooperative, and committed to providing students with a positive and welcoming meal service experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Assist with the preparation of meals, snacks, and other food items according to established menus and recipes.
Follow standardized recipes, portion sizes, and meal service procedures.
Prepare and serve food in an efficient and courteous manner.
Assist with setting up serving lines, dining areas, and food service stations.
Operate kitchen equipment safely and properly.
Follow all food safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene requirements.
Maintain appropriate food temperatures and follow procedures for safe food storage and handling.
Clean and sanitize food preparation areas, equipment, utensils, serving areas, and dining areas.
Wash dishes, pots, pans, trays, and other kitchen equipment.
Properly store food, supplies, and equipment.
Assist with receiving, organizing, and rotating food and supplies.
Monitor food and supply inventory and report shortages to the appropriate supervisor.
Minimize food waste while maintaining appropriate portions and meal quality.
Follow established procedures for serving meals to students with special dietary needs.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen and cafeteria environment.
Assist with opening and closing kitchen operations as assigned.
Follow district policies, Child Nutrition Program requirements, health department regulations, and applicable federal and state guidelines.
Maintain confidentiality regarding student and staff information.
Interact with students and staff in a professional, courteous, and positive manner.
Attend required training and staff meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Food Service Manager or appropriate administrator.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Previous food service, cafeteria, restaurant, or institutional food service experience preferred but not required.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Basic knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, and safe food handling preferred.
Ability to work cooperatively with students, staff, and other food service personnel.
Dependable, punctual, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Ability to communicate effectively and provide courteous customer service.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Must successfully complete required background checks and screenings.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position, including:

Standing and walking for extended periods.
Bending, stooping, reaching, and kneeling.
Lifting and carrying food, supplies, trays, and equipment.
Pushing and pulling carts and other food service equipment.
Repetitive hand and arm movements.
Working in a warm, humid, or refrigerated environment as necessary.
Safely operating kitchen equipment and utensils.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in a school kitchen, cafeteria, food preparation area, and storage areas. The position may involve exposure to heat, steam, cold temperatures, cleaning chemicals, and kitchen equipment.

Employees are expected to follow all applicable safety and sanitation procedures and use appropriate protective equipment as required.

Work Schedule

Schedule will be determined by the district and campus food service needs. Position may be full-time, part-time, or as otherwise assigned.

Compensation

Compensation will be based on the Thorndale ISD adopted pay schedule and applicable experience.

Food Services Worker (POOL)