FNS Manager - Food and Nutrition Services (Cross)

Mesquite Independent School District (MISD) is a prominent educational institution dedicated to providing quality learning experiences for students in the Mesquite area. MESD encompasses numerous schools, each committed to fostering a nurturing and educational environment for children. Cross Elementary School, one of the district’s key facilities, offers a supportive and community-centered setting to nurture students' growth and development. As an organization, MISD values professionalism, excellence, and dedication in all its employees, especially those involved in the essential service of school nutrition.

The Food and Nutrition Services Department within MISD plays a critical role in ensuring that students have access to healthy, nutritious meals throughout the school day. This department is responsible for adhering to local, state, and federal nutritional standards, as well as maintaining a clean, safe, and inviting environment in all cafeteria and kitchen locations. The district’s emphasis on quality, safety, and compliance with regulations addresses the essential needs of its students while supporting their overall well-being and academic success.

The position available at Cross Elementary School is for an Auxiliary - Food Service / Food Service role, classified as full-time and non-exempt under the Auxiliary Compensation Plan. This role reports directly to the Food & Nutrition Services Area Manager and is vital to the smooth operation of the campus food service activities. The employment for this position begins as soon as possible, reflecting the district's ongoing commitment to maintaining optimal food service operations.

The core purpose of this role is to provide supervision, training, and management for the campus food service operation. This includes ensuring appropriate quantities of food are prepared and served in compliance with all applicable regulations and programs such as the Food & Nutrition Services Programs at the district level and local and federal health regulations. The position demands a high level of responsibility, integrity, and precision as the individual will manage cash handling, food ordering, production records, and personnel training.

The role encompasses direct oversight of daily kitchen activities and cafeteria management, maintaining food safety, quality standards, and a hazard-free workplace. The employee will be expected to follow all policies set forth by entities such as the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the City of Mesquite Health Department. This includes strict adherence to the chain of command and effective communication with supervisors and other staff.

The individual in this role is also responsible for inventory management, ordering food and supplies using the district’s approved software systems, and maintaining accurate financial records. Supervisory duties include managing Nutrition Specialists, conducting performance evaluations, providing training, and ensuring positive morale and teamwork among staff. The role requires knowledge of food preparation principles, sanitation certification, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism. The position also entails conducting biannual HACCP (Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points) checklists and recommending equipment replacements when necessary.

This role demands strong organizational skills, self-motivation, and the ability to work effectively under time constraints in a fast-paced environment. Mental demands include reading, communication, problem-solving, and mathematical calculations relevant to food service operations. Physical demands include frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 35 pounds, as well as exposure to varying temperatures and working conditions associated with a busy kitchen environment.

Overall, the Auxiliary Food Service role at Cross Elementary School offers an important opportunity to contribute to the health and nutrition of students while participating in a well-established and respected school district. This position is ideal for candidates who are committed to food service excellence, safety, and community contribution within an educational setting.