Cafeteria Worker

Cafeteria 3 - Cafeteria Worker (180-day position)

Department: Cafeteria FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

General Definition of Work Performs manual work preparing and serving institutional meals, cleaning cafeterias, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the close supervision of the Cafeteria Manager.

Qualification Requirements To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

• Prepares breakfasts and lunches.
• Cleans up after lunches; washes dishes, cleans tables and kitchen area, sweeps and mops floors.
• Operates dishwasher, mixer, chopper, slicer, steamers, ovens and other food service and mechanical equipment.
• Assists in estimating and ordering food supplies.
• Receives and stocks food supplies; maintains sanitary conditions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities General knowledge of materials and methods used in preparing and serving meats, breads, vegetables and other foods on a large scale; general knowledge of the use or care of food preparation equipment; general knowledge of food values and nutrition; general knowledge of U.S.D.A. rules and regulations; skill in the use of standardized and specialized kitchen utensils and equipment; ability to work long hours while standing and under high temperature conditions; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, associates, students, parents and the general public.

Education and Experience Less than high school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires standing and walking, frequently requires speaking or hearing, lifting and repetitive motions and occasionally requires using hands to finger, handle or feel, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, tasting or smelling and pushing or pulling; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, using of measuring devices, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts and exposure to vibration; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).

Special Requirements None. General Definition of Work Performs a variety of duties related to the preparation, serving, and distribution of nutritious meals to students and staff in accordance with federal, state, and local school nutrition guidelines. Responsibilities include food preparation, meal service, cashiering, cash handling, cleaning and sanitation, receiving and storing food supplies, and maintaining a safe and organized kitchen environment. Works cooperatively with school nutrition staff and school personnel to provide efficient, friendly, and high-quality meal service while promoting a positive dining experience for students. Essential Functions Food Preparation and Meal Service

• Prepares and serves breakfast and lunch according to established menus, standardized recipes, portion sizes, and production schedules.
• Assists with preparing fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, hot entrees, and other menu items.
• Follows USDA school meal guidelines, including meal components, portion requirements, and Offer Versus Serve procedures, as applicable.
• Assists with preparing, packaging, and distributing meals for classrooms, field trips, and other school-related activities.
• Maintains attractive food presentation and ensures food is served at appropriate temperatures.
• Provides friendly, courteous, and professional service to students, staff, and visitors.

Cash Handling and Point-of-Sale Operations

• Operates the cafeteria point-of-sale (POS) system to accurately record student and adult meal transactions.
• Handles cash transactions, makes change, and follows established cash handling and accountability procedures.
• Assists with balancing cash drawers and reconciling daily transactions as assigned.
• Maintains accurate meal counts and transaction records.
• Protects the confidentiality of student meal account information and eligibility status.

Food Safety and Sanitation

• Follows all applicable food safety, sanitation, and HACCP procedures.
• Monitors and records food temperatures as assigned.
• Cleans and sanitizes food preparation areas, serving lines, equipment, utensils, and dining areas.
• Washes dishes, sweeps and mops floors, and completes assigned daily cleaning duties.
• Follows proper handwashing, glove use, food storage, and cross-contamination prevention procedures.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

Kitchen Operations and Inventory

• Safely operates kitchen equipment, including ovens, steamers, mixers, slicers, dishwashers, and other food service equipment.
• Assists with receiving, checking, rotating, and properly storing food and supplies.
• Follows proper inventory rotation procedures, including First In, First Out (FIFO).
• Assists with maintaining accurate production records, inventory records, and other required documentation.
• Communicates supply needs, equipment concerns, and food safety issues to the Cafeteria Manager.
• Assists with minimizing food waste and maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

Teamwork and Professional Responsibilities

• Works cooperatively with cafeteria staff to ensure meals are prepared and served accurately and on schedule.
• Demonstrates dependability, punctuality, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
• Follows instructions, established procedures, and school division policies.
• Participates in required school nutrition, food safety, and professional development training.
• Assists with other school nutrition duties as assigned by the Cafeteria Manager or School Nutrition Coordinator.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• General knowledge of food preparation, serving methods, and kitchen sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow recipes, written instructions, and established procedures.
• Basic math skills and the ability to accurately handle money and make change.
• Ability to learn and operate computerized point-of-sale systems.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow cash accountability procedures.
• Understanding of food safety practices and willingness to learn USDA school nutrition requirements.
• Ability to operate commercial kitchen equipment safely.
• Strong communication, customer service, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with students, coworkers, school personnel, and the public.

Education and Experience Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Basic math and communication skills.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Willingness to complete required school nutrition and food safety training.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous experience in school nutrition, food service, cafeteria operations, or a related field.
• Previous cash handling, cashiering, or point-of-sale experience.
• Experience using the Mosaic school nutrition point-of-sale system.
• Knowledge of USDA school meal programs and food safety procedures.

Previous school nutrition or Mosaic system experience is preferred but not required. Training will be provided to qualified candidates. Physical Requirements This position requires frequent standing and walking for extended periods, bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and performing repetitive tasks. Employees must be able to frequently lift or move items weighing up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or appropriate equipment when necessary. Work is performed primarily in a commercial kitchen environment, with exposure to varying temperatures, including hot cooking areas, refrigerators, and freezers. Employees may also encounter wet floors, noise, and moving kitchen equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Special Requirements

• Must comply with all applicable school division policies and employment requirements.
• Must complete required annual school nutrition professional development and food safety training.
• Must maintain professional conduct and confidentiality when working with students and student information.
• Must follow established health, safety, and sanitation regulations.

Additional Information This job description is intended to describe the general nature and responsibilities of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the operational needs of the School Nutrition Department.