Cafeteria Assistant

Cafeteria Assistant

Vancouver Public Schools Fort Vancouver High School - Vancouver, Washington Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Vancouver Public Schools

• Job : 5555896
• Final date to receive applications: Mar 04, 2026 5:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)
• Posted: Feb 25, 2026 8:00 AM (UTC)
• Starting Date: Immediately

4 hours per day, 9 months per year

Fair Labor Standard Act Status:
Non-exempt

Job Purpose: The Nutrition Services Cafeteria Assistant, under the direction of their Kitchen Manager, is responsible for performing food preparation and meal service tasks including but not limited to washing, peeling and chopping fruits and vegetables, serving and counting meals at the point-of-service, assisting the cook or manager, and clean-up activities such as washing dishes or equipment. Cafeteria Assistants must demonstrate thorough understanding of Hazardous Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) standard operating procedures.

Cafeteria Assistants must serve as positive role models for students and work in a flexible and cooperative manner.

We appreciate your interest in employment with Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). All applications are considered and reviewed. The most qualified and competitive applicant(s) that possess directly related experience and expertise, training, and education may be invited to participate in the interview/selection process. As part of the selection process, the District conducts confidential reference checks to include former and present employers and also requires a criminal background investigation.

Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will receive an interview.

Résumés should include education, relevant experience (including current position), and skills which highlight the qualifications of the position to which a person is applying.

All district employees are encouraged to review their personnel file periodically to ensure that their file includes current and relevant documentation that supports their education, experience, training, etc., as it relates to qualifications described on job postings.

• Possess a current Washington State Food Workers Card. The test may be completed at the local health department, or completed online.
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience required (at least one):
  • Demonstrated successful experience as a VPS kitchen substitute
  • At least 12 months experience cooking in any food service establishment within the last 3 years

• Ability to work effectively as a team member and team leader as-needed.
• Ability to meet tight time lines with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to sustain poise and confidence in managing emotional and difficult situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to read, write, and perform cooking related math computation.
• Self-motivated, with good organizational skills.
• Regular attendance to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position to achieve program requirements.
• Ability to perform the physical aspects of the job, such as bending and moving as necessary for food preparation, cleaning, and storage.
• Ability to communicate effectively with district wide staff, colleagues and students.
• Ability to safely lift and move packages of food and cooking equipment weighing 1/3 of your body weight up to 50 pounds, using assistance or mechanical aid when appropriate.
• Ability to safely move around in crowded kitchen areas.
• Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment, inspect cleanliness of work area, and read paperwork. Translation assistance available.
• Ability to assume cook and manager duties in the event of their absence.
• Ability to assume duties of other bid cafeteria assistant positions.

• Constantly (67-100%): stand, hear, see, grasp multiple kitchen items
• Frequently (34-66%): talk, walk, stoop, bend, reach, use fingers, repetitive motion, reach at waist, lift or carry up to 25 pounds, push or pull up to 10 pounds
• Occasionally (6-33%): crouch, twist, kneel, reach below waist, operate controls, lift or carry up to 20 pounds,…