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Day Shift School Kitchen Jobs (NOW HIRING)

School Kitchen Staff

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $18/hr

Join our team as a School Kitchen Staff position at The Gardner School of Schaumburg! We have an ... Day shift Experience: * Food Service: 2 years (Required) License/Certification: * SafeServe ...

School Kitchen Manager

Chelmsford, MA · On-site

$17.21 - $20.25/hr

School Kitchen Staff Position It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they ... is celebrated every day. Perks of Working with Us: * Competitive Pay: The pay range for this ...

School Kitchen Manager

Weymouth, MA · On-site

$17.20 - $20.25/hr

Join our team as a School Kitchen Staff position at The Gardner School of Weymouth! We have an ... is celebrated every day. Perks of Working with Us: * Competitive Pay: The pay range for this ...

School Kitchen Staff

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Join our team as a School Kitchen Staff position at The Gardner School of Brentwood! We have an ... is celebrated every day. Perks of Working with Us: * Competitive Pay: The pay range for this ...

School Kitchen Staff

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.80 - $16.25/hr

Join our team as a School Kitchen Staff position at The Gardner School of Nashville! We have an ... is celebrated every day. Perks of Working with Us: * Competitive Pay: The pay range for this ...

School Kitchen Manager

Chelmsford, MA · On-site

$17.21 - $20.25/hr

Join our team as a School Kitchen Staff position at The Gardner School of Chelmsford! We have an ... is celebrated every day. Perks of Working with Us: * Competitive Pay: The pay range for this ...

School Kitchen Staff

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Join our team as a School Kitchen Staff position at The Gardner School of Brentwood! We have an ... is celebrated every day. Perks of Working with Us: * Competitive Pay: The pay range for this ...

School Kitchen Staff

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.80 - $16.25/hr

Join our team as a School Kitchen Staff position at The Gardner School of Nashville! We have an ... is celebrated every day. Perks of Working with Us: * Competitive Pay: The pay range for this ...

Assists in the day-to-day activities of the site kitchen, which includes preparing, serving, and ... Work closely with school administrators, parents, and children to resolve issues; communicate ...

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Day Shift School Kitchen information

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$8

$15

$19

How much do day shift school kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for day shift school kitchen in the United States is $15.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Day Shift School Kitchen Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Day Shift School Kitchen Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and certifications like a food handler’s permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help ensure efficient meal service and a positive environment. These abilities are crucial for maintaining health standards, serving students promptly, and supporting a smooth kitchen operation.

What are some common challenges faced in a day shift school kitchen role, and how can they be managed?

One common challenge in a day shift school kitchen is managing time efficiently to prepare and serve meals within tight school schedules. Staff must coordinate closely to ensure food is safely prepared, dietary needs are met, and cleanup is completed before the next shift or school activity begins. Effective communication and teamwork are essential to adapt to sudden changes, such as last-minute menu adjustments or equipment issues. Staying organized and following established procedures can help maintain a smooth workflow and meet high standards for food safety and quality.

What are day shift school kitchen workers?

Day shift school kitchen workers are staff members responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving meals to students and staff during school hours, typically in the morning and early afternoon. Their duties include following nutrition guidelines, maintaining food safety standards, cleaning kitchen equipment, and sometimes assisting with inventory. These workers play a key role in ensuring students receive healthy, balanced meals to support their learning and well-being.

What is the difference between Day Shift School Kitchen vs After School Program Cook?

AspectDay Shift School KitchenAfter School Program Cook
CredentialsFood handler's permit, basic culinary skillsFood handler's permit, basic culinary skills
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeteria during school hoursAfter school program settings, often in community centers or schools
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, educational institutionsCommunity programs, educational organizations
Work HoursTypically during school hours, weekdaysAfternoon hours, after school hours

The Day Shift School Kitchen and After School Program Cook roles both involve preparing meals in educational or community settings, requiring similar certifications and skills. The main difference lies in their work hours and settings: the Day Shift School Kitchen operates during regular school hours in cafeterias, while the After School Program Cook works in the afternoons in community or school-based programs. Both roles focus on providing nutritious meals to students and community members.

More about Day Shift School Kitchen jobs
What cities are hiring for Day Shift School Kitchen jobs? Cities with the most Day Shift School Kitchen job openings:
What states have the most Day Shift School Kitchen jobs? States with the most job openings for Day Shift School Kitchen jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Day Shift School Kitchen jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Day Shift School Kitchen jobs are:
Infographic showing various Day Shift School Kitchen job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,047 per year, or $15.4 per hour.
School Kitchen Staff

School Kitchen Staff

The Gardner School

Schaumburg, IL • On-site

$16.50 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


The Gardner School rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 21 rated private schools and tutoring


Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

We're Hiring! Join our team as a School Kitchen Staff position at The Gardner School of Schaumburg!

We have an exciting opportunity for a School Kitchen Staffposition working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Schaumburg, we believe learning begins with love - for children, for teaching, and for making a difference. Join our passionate, professional team in our state-of-the-art preschool, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated every day.

Perks of Working with Us:

  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance + other benefits to fit your unique needs
  • 401k Retirement Plan with Employer match
  • Childcare tuition discount for toddlers and up
  • PTO, plus your birthday and holidays off!
  • Competitive Wages
  • No late nights or weekends

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Confirm weekly menus with school director
  • Adhere to the school's budgetary needs
  • Maintain inventory and complete weekly food and supply orders
  • Prepare and cook meals according to approved menus
  • Ensure food is cooked and served at the correct temperature
  • Maintain a clean, sanitized and organized kitchen area
  • Dishwashing
  • Follow food state and federal safety, sanitation and nutrition guidelines
  • Perform essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Help in classrooms and other areas for short periods of time as needed
  • Regular and reliable attendance
  • Must have dietary allergy knowledge

What You'll Need to be Successful:

  • Strong knowledge of dietary allergies and food safety regulations.
  • Previous experience in food preparation and cooking, including large volume cooking.
  • Proficient in various cooking techniques and methods.
  • Experience with menu planning and meal preparation.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Effective time management and multitasking abilities.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Physical ability to bend, squat, lift up to 60 pounds, and stand or walk for extended periods.

What You'll Need to Qualify:

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • SafeServe certified
  • Possess a valid driver's license
  • Must enjoy working with young children
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check
  • Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations and guidelines

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.50 - $18.00 per hour

Shift:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift

Experience:

  • Food Service: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

  • SafeServe Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person


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