CAFETERIA ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION

A food handler's certification is the floor, not the ceiling. Cafeteria Assistants in K-12 schools operate within state and federal child nutrition program requirements, where HACCP compliance and portion control standards govern every tray that reaches a student. The role sits inside the school's food service department, reporting to a Cafeteria Manager, and covers everything from morning equipment checks to end-of-day facility cleaning. Student nutrition outcomes depend directly on how consistently this work is done.

As the Cafeteria Assistant, you prepare and serve nutritionally compliant meals for students and staff while maintaining food service facilities in accordance with HACCP standards and school division health requirements. You operate within the school's food service department alongside cooks and the Cafeteria Manager, stepping into broader responsibilities when coverage requires it.

Career Impact: Earning a food handler's certification and gaining hands-on HACCP compliance experience builds a measurable credential base recognized across institutional food service and school nutrition programs.

Business Impact: Students receive safe, properly portioned meals every service period because this role enforces temperature monitoring, portion control, and sanitation standards that protect the entire school nutrition program.

Growth Opportunity: Consistent performance in this role creates a direct path toward Cook and Cafeteria Manager positions within the school district's food service structure.

• Prepare food service facilities before each meal period, including equipment testing, tray setup, and serving area arrangement.
• Portion and serve breakfast, lunch, and a la carte items to students and staff following approved serving procedures and portion control standards.
• Perform food preparation tasks including washing and cutting produce, assembling entrees, and heating menu items according to written recipes and oral instructions.
• Monitor food and equipment temperatures throughout each service period to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Maintain kitchen and cafeteria areas in a clean and sanitary condition, including washing pots, pans, trays, and equipment after each service.
• Handle cashiering duties including processing food and ticket sales, making change, and recording the number of students served.
• Receive, stock, and rotate food and supply inventory in storage areas following First In First Out procedures.
• Substitute for the Cook or step into Cafeteria Manager duties when authorized by the supervisor.

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience.
• 1 or more years of food service or kitchen operations experience, with exposure to quantity food preparation in a school or institutional setting.
• Valid food handler's certification as required by the applicable state or school division.
• Knowledge of HACCP standards and sanitation practices related to food handling and serving.
• Ability to monitor food quality and operate standard food service equipment safely, including ovens, warmers, and dishwashing machines.
• Ability to lift and carry food supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform bending, reaching, and repetitive physical tasks throughout the shift.
• Ability to follow written menus, work schedules, and oral instructions while meeting service timelines with frequent interruptions.

• Experience working in a K-12 school food service environment with direct student-facing responsibilities.
• Familiarity with school nutrition program recordkeeping, including meal counts and free and reduced lunch tracking.
• Demonstrated ability to assume cook-level duties or lead serving line operations independently without direct supervision.
• Completion of food service training programs or staff development requirements set by a school district or state education agency.

• Meal service completion rate, measuring whether all scheduled meal periods open and close on time.
• Temperature log compliance rate, reflecting how consistently food and equipment readings are recorded within safe ranges each shift.
• Portion accuracy rate, tracking adherence to approved serving sizes across student meal counts.
• Sanitation inspection score, measuring facility and equipment cleanliness against health department standards.
• Inventory rotation accuracy, reflecting correct First In First Out practice across storage areas.
• Typical tools: Food service management software (commonly point-of-sale meal counting systems) and standard commercial kitchen equipment including steam tables and dishwashing machines.

• Base Salary Range: $28,000 to $38,000 per year, depending on district and location.
• Bonus: Typically none at this level in public school settings.
• Equity: Not applicable for this role.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage common in public school district employment.
• PTO: Paid school holidays, summer recess, and accrued sick leave per district policy.
• Common Perks: Free or reduced-price meals during shifts, district retirement plan participation, and staff development training.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment in this role is open to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Candidates with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations at any point in the hiring process. A background check, which may include criminal history screening and drug testing per district policy, is required as a condition of employment. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Cafeteria Assistant owns the full cycle of daily food service at elementary and middle schools, from preparing facilities and portioning meals to cashiering and utilizing food service computer software. Supporting students and staff across serving lines, the role delivers safe, sanitary, and efficient operations while stepping into the Cafeteria Manager role when needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare food service facilities for the serving of food and wash eating and serving areas.
• Count and set out an appropriate number of trays and arrange food and beverages according to established procedures.
• Portion and serve food to students and staff following established procedures.
• Assist in food preparation including making sandwiches, grating cheese, and mixing and chopping fruits and vegetables.
• Operate dishwasher and wash and sanitize trays, plates, utensils, and other serving equipment.
• Maintain food storage, appliances, work areas, and serving areas in a clean, sanitary, and safe condition.
• Perform cashiering duties including collecting money, making change, and counting students served.
• Transport food and supplies between locations and lift heavy containers as assigned.
• Utilize food service computer software to record pertinent information.
• Cook and bake foods and serve as Cafeteria Manager in the absence of the Manager.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in food service or kitchen operations preferred.
• Knowledge of standard kitchen equipment, utensils, and measurements.
• Knowledge of sanitation practices related to handling and serving food.
• Ability to learn and utilize food service computer software.
• Ability to meet schedules and timelines and follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Embedded within the school cafeteria and lunch program, the Cafeteria Assistant delivers food service support aligned with the Catholic school's philosophy and organizational guidelines, including supervising students and maintaining bookkeeping records. Working closely with the cafeteria manager, this position shapes daily meal operations and upholds the mission of Catholic education through professionalism and witness to Gospel values.

Core Functions

• Assist the cafeteria manager in implementing the school's food program within established guidelines.
• Demonstrate general knowledge of cooking and follow recipes accurately.
• Assist in maintaining accurate lunch and bookkeeping records and creating menus.
• Maintain accurate inventory of food, supplies, and equipment and submit timely orders as needed.
• Supervise students in the serving area with regard to safety and behavior.
• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students, and staff.
• Demonstrate professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.
• Meet staff development guidelines as set forth by the school and Archdiocese.

Qualifications and Experience

• State of Texas food handler's certification required.
• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of cooking techniques and ability to follow recipes.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work well with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format.
• Skill in critical thinking, planning, and job-appropriate technology.
• Ability to lift and carry lunchroom supplies, food orders, furniture, and equipment.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach, hear, see, and communicate on a daily basis.

Reporting to the supervisor, the Cafeteria Assistant leads food preparation and clean-up tasks across school buildings and satellite kitchens, including substituting for the cook when authorized. Partnering with cooks and managers, the role builds safe and respectful food service environments while modeling positive behavior for students and adapting to assignments with or without direct supervision.

Primary Duties

• Treat co-workers, supervisors, students, parents, and others with dignity and respect at all times.
• Perform food preparation tasks including opening cans, washing and preparing fruits and vegetables, making salad dressings, assembling salad items, and heating menu items.
• Perform clean-up activities including washing pots and pans, operating the dishwashing machine, cleaning tables and chairs, and cleaning food preparation areas.
• Assist the cook or manager when assigned and substitute for the cook when authorized.
• Work in different buildings or satellite kitchens as needed, including without direct supervision.
• Serve as a positive role model for students and practice expected student behaviors.
• Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Washington State Food Workers Card required.
• Ability to safely lift and move packages of food and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate kitchen equipment and inspect cleanliness of work areas.
• Ability to meet tight timelines with frequent interruptions and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to assume cook duties or other cafeteria assistant positions in their absence.
• Ability to communicate effectively with district-wide staff, colleagues, students, and parents.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member and team leader as needed.

Sitting at the intersection of food safety compliance and daily kitchen operations, the Cafeteria Assistant delivers meal preparation and facility maintenance in strict accordance with HACCP standards, covering everything from assembling entrees to operating steam-jacketed kettles and rotary ovens. Operating across storage, distribution, and serving functions, this position shapes sanitary and well-organized food service environments that support students and staff every day.

Duties

• Prepare and package food items by assembling ingredients and heating and wrapping items according to established procedures, portion control standards, and HACCP standards.
• Maintain food service facilities, equipment, and utensils in a clean and sanitary condition according to HACCP standards.
• Prepare and assemble entrees, fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, desserts, and other assigned foods for distribution.
• Assist in the receipt, storage, and rotation of food items and supplies in storage areas and support inventory activities.
• Operate standard food service equipment including ovens, slicers, food carts, can openers, warmers, steam-jacketed kettles, rotary ovens, proofers, and mixers.
• Maintain routine records related to assigned activities and perform related duties as assigned.

Experience and Qualifications

• Experience in food service or kitchen operations preferred.
• Knowledge of HACCP standards and food safety procedures.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform bending, kneeling, twisting, and reaching.
• Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to work in cold temperatures for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
• Ability to monitor food quality and quantity and operate standard food service equipment safely.

A key member of the school's food service team, the Cafeteria Assistant delivers daily meal preparation and cafeteria upkeep in alignment with all district requirements and board policies. Collaborating across kitchen and serving staff, this position supports efficient food distribution and maintains a clean, organized environment for students and the wider school community.

Functions

• Assist in the preparation and serving of all food in the cafeteria.
• Assist in the preparation, cleaning, and organizing of all materials used in food preparation and distribution.
• Assist in cleaning the kitchen and cafeteria and disposing and storing unused food.
• Assist in preparing the cafeteria including the set-up and removal of seating.
• Participate in marketing promotions and special events for students, adults, and the community.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience with quantity food preparation and service preferred.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the community.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and effectively manage time and responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form.
• Ability to perform duties in accordance with all district requirements and board policies.

Reliable daily meal service depends on the Cafeteria Assistant, who prepares and serves breakfast, lunch, and a la carte items while managing cashiering responsibilities and monitoring food and equipment temperatures throughout the day. Based within the school's food service operation, this position leads inventory rotation, participates in community marketing events, and maintains a clean and safe environment that supports student nutrition program outcomes.

Accountabilities

• Practice personal hygiene and proper sanitation procedures and turn on, test, and monitor equipment at the start of each day.
• Prepare food according to written and oral instructions and serve breakfast, lunch, and a la carte items.
• Handle cashiering responsibilities including food and ticket sales and serving of a la carte items.
• Replenish food and maintain clean serving areas and monitor food and equipment temperatures at all times.
• Perform dishwashing duties for cooking, serving, and eating utensils and tools.
• Set up and break down serving areas and receive, stock, and rotate incoming and outgoing inventory.
• Maintain a neat, clean, and safe work environment and perform preparation duties for the next day.

Technical Qualifications

• Valid food handler's card issued by the school division required.
• Knowledge of materials and methods used in preparing and serving meats, breads, vegetables, and other foods on a large scale.
• Knowledge of the use and care of food preparation equipment and standardized kitchen utensils.
• Ability to work with others in a fast-paced environment and address customers in a pleasant and courteous manner.
• Ability to read and follow written food menus and work schedules.
• Ability to maintain emotional control and establish effective working relationships with associates, students, and staff.

As the Cafeteria Assistant, this role delivers recipe-based meal preparation and full facility cleaning using equipment such as slicers, grills, and POS systems while adhering to all food safety guidelines including First In First Out rotation. The food service team relies on this work to maintain portioned, sanitary, and professionally served meals for students and staff across every meal period.

Operational Focus

• Use recipes to prepare food for service and operate equipment including slicers, mixers, dishwashers, stoves, ovens, steam tables, grills, and POS systems.
• Serve meals using approved serving utensils and ensure portion sizes and procedures are followed.
• Follow all food safety guidelines including washing hands, wearing gloves, time-stamping food, and using First In First Out rotation.
• Maintain a clean-as-you-go mentality for keeping work areas and tables free of food debris.
• Participate in daily cleaning of the facility including worktables, dishes, pots and pans, equipment, and smallwares.
• Assist in cleaning cafeteria tables and chairs between meal periods and at the end of the day.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• Act 34, Act 151, and FBI clearances required.
• Act 126 and Act 71 training certificates required.
• Drug screening required.
• Knowledge of food safety guidelines and portion control standards.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform lifting and operating of cooking equipment.
• Ability to interact with others in a manner that demonstrates professionalism, respect, and dignity.