2026-2027 Traveling Kitchen Assistant

Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) is a prominent educational institution dedicated to providing high-quality education and support services to students across the city of Oklahoma City. As one of the largest public school districts in the state, OKCPS is committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. With a wide range of programs that focus on both academic excellence and student well-being, the district employs a diverse workforce dedicated to serving the community and supporting student success. OKCPS places a strong emphasis on student nutrition services, recognizing the critical role that healthy meals play in the overall development and performance of students. The Student Nutrition Services team is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals that meet federal, state, and local guidelines, ensuring that all children have access to balanced and appealing food options during the school day.

The role of Traveling Kitchen Assistant within OKCPS’s Student Nutrition Services is a dynamic and essential position designed to support meal preparation and food service across multiple school sites. This position is classified as non-exempt and requires approximately 6 hours of work per day over 177 workdays annually, with compensation determined by experience. The Traveling Kitchen Assistant supports cafeteria supervisors by performing a variety of tasks including food receiving, safeguarding, preparation, cooking, serving, and cleanup, while ensuring strict compliance with safety, sanitation, and nutrition standards. A unique aspect of this role is the traveling nature of the work, which entails the possibility of being assigned to various school locations as well as participating in catering and special events that support OKCPS district and department activities.

In this role, the Traveling Kitchen Assistant operates district vehicles when necessary to fulfill job duties, emphasizing the need for a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record. The position holds safety-sensitive status under Oklahoma state regulations related to medical marijuana use and Department of Transportation guidelines, which requires candidates to pass a pre-employment drug screening. The Traveling Kitchen Assistant collaborates closely with kitchen staff to create a harmonious and efficient work environment while maintaining cleanliness and adhering to safety protocols at all times.

Key responsibilities include the preparation and serving of food and beverages, maintaining kitchen cleanliness and sanitation, supporting catering functions and special events, and ensuring a professional and punctual workplace presence. The position also involves ongoing professional development through required training and certification, highlighting the employer’s commitment to continuous improvement and skill advancement.

The environment for this position is primarily a kitchen setting that may not be climate controlled, and physical demands include frequent lifting of weights up to 35 pounds, and occasional lifting with assistance up to 75 pounds, along with extended periods of standing and manual dexterity tasks. The role also requires good communication skills, the ability to work as part of a team, and adaptability to sometimes stressful conditions, especially when working outside regular hours including weekends.

Overall, the Traveling Kitchen Assistant position at Oklahoma City Public Schools offers an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals interested in student nutrition and food service to make a positive impact in their community. This role supports the essential mission of ensuring that students receive nutritious meals while fostering an environment grounded in safety, teamwork, and professional development. Candidates interested in joining a dedicated team within a respected public school district will find this position to be both rewarding and vital to the school's commitment to student health and success.