Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant

Responsible for providing assistance in the daily preparation of the school lunch program. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community members and school clientele.

• Frequent standing, reaching, lifting (including occasional overhead lifting), bending, kneeling, stooping, squatting, climbing, pushing, twisting, and pulling items weighing 40 lbs or less. Standing or walking 95% of the work day.
• Occasional climbing and balancing using step stool.
• Repetitive motions including lifting, keypad entry, chopping, filling and sealing packaging. Make fast repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use both hands to grasp, grip, move or operate objects or equipment.

• Participate in training to include PGI Classes; may lead training for other kitchen staff members.
• Must annually complete all USDA Mandatory Professional Standards training hours, as required by position category.
• Actively pursue upcoming regulatory changes and provide sustainable solutions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.
• Willing to travel to multiple schools based on the needs of sites, if requested.
• Flexibility in work schedule to meet the demands of the kitchen sites.
• Assist in the preparation, service, and sale of meals ensuring compliance with department regulations.
• Preparation of meals can include washing, cleaning, peeling, cutting, and chopping fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat items; must follow standard recipe, proper portion sizes, and verbal instructions.
• Assist in proper set up and cleanup of serving areas for timely service to students, including dishwashing and proper sanitation of work stations.
• Follow and understand all HACCP standards; use all kitchen equipment properly; clean equipment properly and follow all safety precautions.
• Serve meals daily while complying with all school food regulations and ensuring health department sanitation standards.
• Independently follow menu and recipe instructions; produce and understand the regulations regarding preparation, proper food temperatures, appearance, and portion sizes.
• Assist in unloading and proper storage of delivered food items.
• Learn and operate Point of Sale system and reconcile monies daily to ensure accuracy.
• Build positive relationships with the surrounding community, including other Nutrition Services staff, school staff, students, and parents.
• Maintain a focus on customer service; be pleasant, cooperative, and able to work with a wide variety of people; adapt to a variety of assignments and conditions.
• Communicate effectively in both written and verbal form, including electronic mail and computers; maintain confidentiality of all student information.

High School or Equivalent

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to support positive outcomes.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Maintains a generally positive attitude.
• Observes all District policies and procedures.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills in English and a demonstrated ability to read and comprehend written/graphic and oral instructions.

Regular

Mesa Middle School

20 hours per week (FTE 0.50) – 172 work days per year.

Hourly $17.39 – $26.89. Minimum hire rate: $17.39. Maximum hire rate: $22.14.

This position is eligible for health, vision, dental, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), District paid and voluntary additional life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short and long-term disability, critical illness insurance, employee assistance program (EAP), voluntary 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plan options.

This position is eligible for paid sick and personal time.

Open until filled; closing date:
February 14, 2026.