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Menahga Public Schools

Part-Time School Food Service Employee

Position: Part-Time School Food Service Employee
Department: Food Service
Reports To: Food Service Director / Head Cook
Employment Status: Part-Time
Work Schedule: Determined by district needs and school calendar
Location: Menahga Public Schools

Position Summary

The Part-Time School Food Service Employee assists with the daily operation of the school food service program. This position supports the preparation, serving, and cleanup of meals while maintaining high standards for food quality, cleanliness, safety, and customer service.

The employee works cooperatively with the Food Service Director, Head Cook, and other food service staff to provide nutritious, appealing, and safe meals for students and staff in accordance with district procedures and applicable state and federal requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Food Preparation and Service

• Assist with preparing breakfast, lunch, snacks, and other food service items as directed.
• Follow standardized recipes, menus, and portion-control guidelines.
• Assist with washing, cutting, measuring, cooking, and preparing food.
• Set up serving lines and food service areas.
• Serve meals to students and staff in a friendly, courteous, and efficient manner.
• Follow proper portion sizes and meal service procedures.
• Assist with monitoring food temperatures and maintaining appropriate food quality.
• Replenish food and serving supplies as needed.
• Assist with special meal requirements and student dietary needs according to district procedures.

Food Safety and Sanitation

• Follow all district food safety policies and applicable Minnesota Department of Education and health requirements.
• Practice proper handwashing and personal hygiene.
• Maintain proper food temperatures and safe food-handling practices.
• Prevent cross-contamination and follow proper procedures for food storage and preparation.
• Clean and sanitize food preparation areas, equipment, utensils, serving areas, tables, and other surfaces.
• Properly store food and supplies according to established procedures.
• Monitor food and supplies for freshness, quality, and expiration dates.
• Report food safety concerns, equipment problems, or unsafe conditions to the supervisor.

Cleaning and Kitchen Maintenance

• Wash dishes, trays, utensils, pots, pans, and other food service equipment.
• Operate dishwashing equipment according to established procedures.
• Sweep, mop, and maintain floors and other assigned areas.
• Empty garbage and recycling as needed.
• Assist with cleaning refrigerators, freezers, ovens, counters, storage areas, and other equipment.
• Maintain an orderly, clean, and safe kitchen and cafeteria environment.

Customer Service

• Interact positively and respectfully with students, staff, families, and visitors.
• Provide a welcoming and respectful meal service environment.
• Assist students with questions regarding menu items when appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information and dietary needs.
• Demonstrate patience, professionalism, and a positive attitude when working with students.

Teamwork and General Responsibilities

• Work cooperatively with all food service staff.
• Follow directions and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
• Assist other food service employees as needed.
• Attend required training and staff meetings.
• Follow district policies, procedures, and employee expectations.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Food Service Director or supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous food service, restaurant, cafeteria, or institutional kitchen experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to work effectively with children and adults.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain a clean and sanitary work environment.
• Ability to safely operate common kitchen equipment after appropriate training.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate good judgment.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical requirements may include:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Frequently bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting.
• Lifting and carrying food, supplies, trays, and equipment.
• Repetitive use of hands and arms.
• Working in hot, cold, wet, and humid kitchen environments.
• Ability to safely handle kitchen equipment and cleaning supplies.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a school kitchen, cafeteria, food storage areas, and related facilities. The position may involve exposure to heat, steam, cold temperatures, wet floors, cleaning products, and kitchen equipment.

Performance Expectations

The successful employee will:

• Maintain a positive and professional attitude.
• Provide excellent service to students and staff.
• Follow food safety and sanitation procedures consistently.
• Work efficiently and cooperatively with the food service team.
• Demonstrate dependability and punctuality.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Treat all students and staff with respect and courtesy.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Menahga Public Schools is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal and Minnesota law.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position.