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School Nutrition Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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School Nutrition Service information

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$11

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$25

How much do school nutrition service jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for school nutrition service in the United States is $18.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between School Nutrition Service vs School Food Service Worker?

AspectSchool Nutrition ServiceSchool Food Service Worker
CredentialsFood handler permits, sometimes certifications in food safetyFood handler permits, basic food safety training
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, kitchens, food prep areasSchool cafeterias, food serving stations
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, educational institutionsSchool districts, educational institutions
Job FocusMeal planning, food preparation, nutrition complianceServing meals, assisting with food distribution

School Nutrition Service professionals typically handle meal planning and ensure nutritional standards, while School Food Service Workers focus on serving meals and assisting in food distribution. Both roles work within school cafeterias and require food safety certifications, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in school nutrition service, and why are they important?

To excel in School Nutrition Service, you need knowledge of food safety, nutrition guidelines, and meal preparation, often supported by a high school diploma and food handler certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and compliance with USDA school meal regulations is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help ensure smooth operations and positive interactions with students and staff. These skills are critical for delivering healthy, safe, and appealing meals that support student well-being and meet regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by school nutrition service staff, and how can they be addressed?

School Nutrition Service staff often encounter challenges such as managing meal preparation for large groups on tight schedules, adhering to strict nutritional and safety guidelines, and accommodating students with diverse dietary needs. Effective communication, teamwork, and time management are essential to meet these demands. Many schools provide ongoing training and encourage collaboration among staff to ensure smooth operations and a positive dining experience for students.

What is school nutrition service?

School Nutrition Services are programs within schools that provide healthy and balanced meals to students during the school day. These services ensure that children receive the nutrition they need to support their learning, growth, and overall well-being. School Nutrition Services often include breakfast, lunch, and sometimes snacks, and they follow federal and state guidelines to meet specific nutritional standards. The programs may also offer free or reduced-price meals for students from low-income families to help ensure all children have access to nutritious food.
More about School Nutrition Service jobs
Infographic showing various School Nutrition Service job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,441 per year, or $19 per hour.

School Nutrition Manager ll

Coolspring Elementary School

Leesburg, VA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

School Nutrition Manager II

The School Nutrition Manager II coordinates food and supply orders and deliveries; provides comprehensive training of all food service staff; supervises food services activities at assigned sites; organizes food preparation activities; assists food service workers with food preparation and serving; confirms quantities and quality of food items available for use; provides written reports; and complies with mandated health requirements. This job reports to the assigned School Nutrition Services Specialist/Coordinator.

Roles and Responsibilities
  • Responsible for the production of 201 or greater meal equivalents per day.
  • Assists in maintaining a disciplined work group, deals fairly with staff without discrimination.
  • Communicates fairly and pleasantly with district personnel, students, and the community.
  • Supports the value of continuing education by attending meetings, classes, in-services and workshops as required by the School Nutrition Service Administration.
  • Supports the Mission Statement of Loudoun County Public Schools, the assigned school, and the Nutrition Services Department.
  • Follows Division and School Nutrition Services policies and procedures.
  • Reports to work as designated in the employee handbook &/or manager's handbook.
  • Demonstrates the willingness to work as a team with kitchen, school, and administrative staff.
  • Identifies personal goals for upcoming appraisal period and works toward the achievement of these goals.
  • Assists food service personnel in identifying goals for upcoming appraisal period and provides opportunity for achieving these goals.
  • Establishes and maintains a line of communication with building Principal.
  • Works with school staff and students to promote healthy food choices for all.
  • Maintains an accurate inventory of all kitchen supplies.
  • Follows all established guidelines as identified in the School Nutrition Services employee handbook.
  • Performs other duties as needed to accomplish department goals.
  • Supervises 1- 4 kitchen staff.
  • Supervises Leads, Workers, Substitute Workers, and other personnel as assigned.
  • Works with SNS leadership in training and orienting new employees.
  • Keeps all staff informed and aware of matters that affect their position and work environment.
  • Conducts regular school meetings to accomplish goals, share ideas, and communicate changes.
  • Handles employees' complaints and grievances and maintains lines of communication with supervisor.
  • Assists supervisor in evaluating kitchen staff annually as per LCPS policy.
  • Provides on-going training and assistance to employees for food, production, serving and equipment use.
  • Enters all professional development CEUs for staff in Nutrition Services software annually.
  • Oversees employee time entry in Oracle.
  • Completes daily reports and submits by established deadlines.
  • Follows established price list for all sales to students, staff and patrons.
  • Works with food service associates to assure accurate and timely daily reporting.
  • Strives to achieve established goals for food and labor by utilizing labor and resources efficiently.
  • Demonstrates understanding of finance and manages a financially solvent unit meeting key performance indicators.
  • Processes receipts for completing and documenting transactions and/or preparing deposits for bank drop.
  • Merchandises and markets the school food service program to schools and the community.
  • Orders weekly supplies by established due dates based on resources on hand and forecast production requirements.
  • Establishes forecasting, sets production needs, and plans employee work schedules, to ensure each meal meets requirements as established by USDA and LCPS School Nutrition Services.
  • Assists in selecting ala carte items and menu choices, for breakfast/lunch/snacks which meet USDA guidelines.
  • Maintains high standards of sanitation and safety according to guidelines of State and Local authorities, and LCPS.
  • Follows menus using standardized recipes. Oversees foods being prepared are accurately weighed, measured, and portioned, according to recipe or portion chart.
  • Maintains high quality of product, storage, and preparation techniques.
  • Inventories food, condiments, supplies and equipment at specified intervals for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and limiting losses.
Qualifications

Below are the minimum qualifications for this job. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are also acceptable.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent.

Experience

Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is required.

Licenses and Certifications

Food Safety and Sanitation Certificate. Maintains SNA Level 1 Certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to learn and follow USDA regulations governing multiple programs.
  • Ability to promote and market the school nutrition program to students and the community.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of student records.
  • Ability to comprehend and execute appropriate health order for modified diets (e.g. gluten free, diabetic, texture).
  • Ability to understand importance of food allergy awareness and communicate potential allergen via school nutrition supplied information.
  • Ability to manage non-traditional meal service programs including CACFP (snack, supper), Provision II (Universal Free - Breakfast in the Classroom), Breakfast after the Bell, Grab & Go Breakfast, etc.
  • Knowledge and ability to work all areas and phases of operation to include computers and POS terminals.
Physical Requirements

The following provides a brief description of physical requirements for this job: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly talking, expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly. The employee must possess normal cognitive abilities including the ability to learn, recall and apply certain practices and policies. Frequently sitting and/or remaining in a stationary position for long periods of time. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.