Kitchen Assistant

Starting Date: Immediately

2025-26 School Year

Location: Gateway Elementary

6.5 scheduled hours per day; 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Work August through May when students are in session.

• Annual uniform allowance and complimentary shift meals
• Hourly, full‑time position with benefits, paid biweekly

Position

Purpose:

Primary responsibilities include assisting with the preparation and service of quality meals to students and staff, cleaning and sanitation of equipment, rotating food stock and supplies, assisting with the dish machine and manual dishwashing, and providing superior customer service.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must demonstrate excellent attendance and work record.
• Previous food service and preparation experience preferred.
• Ability to apply basic arithmetic calculations using units of American money, weight measurements, volume, and distance.
• Knowledge of safe food handling.
• Skill in customer relations and service recovery.
• Practical working knowledge of food safety practices and procedures.
• Sensitivity and ability to interact with students, co‑workers, teachers, administrators, other staff, and parents of other cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively with all staff, students, parents, administrators, and the community.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects with strong attention to detail.
• Knowledge of OPS’s mission, purpose, goals, and the role of every employee in achieving each of them.
• Assist with the cleanliness and sanitation of all large and small equipment, serving utensils, and all areas of the kitchen.
• Assist with the completion of daily tasks in a timely manner. Willingness to travel to other schools when requested.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Assist with the preparation, service, and storage of food.
• Assist with the completion of required reports.
• Work with and understand a diverse student population.
• Serve as a positive role model.
• Recognize a “reimbursable” meal.
• Support service excellence initiatives with proactive efforts in service.
• Follow approved cafeteria menu preparation and service protocols within approved timeline.
• Train in all areas within the kitchen to cross‑cover as needed.
• Promote customer service by providing appealing food and excellent customer service.
• Participate in the financial management process by carefully monitoring portion control, proper pricing, and safe storage of supplies and food.
• Follow and maintain required food safety, cleaning, and sanitation procedures.
• Follow HACCP procedures.
• Practice good personal hygiene habits.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language to read and communicate with others.
• Demonstrate proficiency in basic math skills (add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals).
• Efficiently follow cash procedures and use computer program for recording student meals.
• Operate food service equipment safely.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Receive and process verbal information and respond to nonverbal sounds.
• Complete Douglas County Food Handler’s Certification (80% or above) before attending Kitchen Assistant Training.
• Complete Kitchen Assistant Training.
• Maintain current Douglas County Food Handler’s Certification.

Additional Duties: Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use a variety of office equipment including a computer and automated record‑keeping software. It may also require the use of commercial kitchen equipment such as ovens, steamers, hot‑holding cabinets, blenders, food processors, mixers, slicers, can openers, peelers, knives, scales, and thermometers. Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Local travel will be required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Organize time, communicate, and work with interpersonal skills.
• Work in an office environment, school buildings, and warehouse setting.
• Lift, move, and reposition objects and materials…