Food Service Assistant

As a Food Service Assistant at Bezos Academy, you’ll help provide nutritious, compliant meals to children at our tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschool and provide direct support with a variety of additional tasks both in and out of the classroom. You will manage all aspects of food preparation and service with strong attention to detail, organization, and adherence to safety protocols. Key responsibilities include preparing CACFP-compliant menus, placing food orders and managing food costs, receiving and verifying food deliveries, ensuring all meals are delivered to classrooms on time, and managing all clean-up, organization, and documentation.

Assuming full ownership of the kitchen and food operations at the school, you will serve meals in accordance with USDA requirements, Bezos Academy policies, and local childcare regulations.

Beyond the kitchen, you will assist school staff and administration with a variety of tasks including inventory checks, laundry, and other ad hoc duties. As needed, you will also occasionally step into classrooms to provide direct supervision and support to the children. You will become an integral part of your school team working to improve processes and provide an excellent preschool experience where we nurture every child’s full potential.

We are hiring a part-time Food Service Assistant to support our preschool in Lahaina, Maui (127 Kukuia St, Lahaina, HI 96761) with an expected start date of August 2026.

• This is a part-time, non-exempt/hourly position requiring a minimum of 25 hours per week, with occasional opportunities to work additional hours based on school needs.
• You will work a five-hour shift, Monday through Friday, totaling 25 hours per week. Specific school schedules are determined by school leaders when considering all staff, classroom, and community needs, but are currently expected to be 7:30am-12:30pm.
• Compensation for this position is $21-$31 per hour. The upper third of the compensation range is typically reserved for existing employees who have been in the role for multiple years and who demonstrate strong performance over time. Starting compensation will vary by qualifications and prior experience.
• Benefits include paid sick (care) time accrued based on hours worked, medical insurance as required by the state of Hawaii, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match.

• Age 18 with high school diploma or GED
• Experience working in an institutional or highly regulated kitchen/food setting with a clear understanding of food preparation best practices and protocols
• Ability to meet all credentialing criteria for early childhood teacher-caregivers (at least 6 months of childcare experience) and food service assistants in the state of Hawaii
• Ability to meet all state-required training and eligibility requirements, including state-required fingerprint clearance and background check, tuberculosis screenings, trainings, and other credentials and/or qualification documents to be submitted to Bezos Academy prior to the start of employment.
• Experience working across lines of difference and strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness
• Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for long periods of time, and perform a variety of repetitive tasks to prepare and serve food safely
• Active food manager and food handler certifications completed prior to start of hire ()
• Access to reliable transportation to and from work to ensure timely, effective instruction and to ensure proper staff-to-child classroom ratios
• Ability to speak, read, and write English fluently
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Familiarity with Hawaii and Hawaiian culture

• Experience working within the guidelines of the USDA and Child and Adult Care Food Program (USDA/CACFP)
• Two or more years of experience working in a school (preschool, early childhood education, daycare, or K-12 environment) or similar kitchen setting
• Working knowledge of food allergens, intolerances, preferences,…