FNS Specialist - Kitchen Safety Technician (Berry)

Berry Middle School is part of the Mesquite Independent School District (ISD), a well-established educational institution committed to providing quality education and nurturing environments for students. Serving the community with dedication, Berry Middle School prides itself on fostering academic excellence as well as focusing on the holistic development of its students. The school employs a variety of staff members, including educational professionals and support personnel who contribute to the smooth and effective functioning of the school.\n\nMesquite ISD operates under recognized compensation plans to ensure fair and competitive wages for all employees, including auxiliary staff involved in food service operations. Berry Middle School's Food Service Department is integral in delivering nutritious, well-balanced meals that comply with state and federal standards, crucial to supporting student health and learning potential. This full-time position is classified as non-exempt under wage and hour laws, and the role reports directly to the Food & Nutrition Services Manager. Employment begins as soon as possible, emphasizing the school’s need for dedicated staff to maintain ongoing kitchen operations.\n\nThe Food Service Worker at Berry Middle School plays a vital role in the preparation and service of food that meets set quantity requirements and adheres to high standards of quality, sanitation, and safety. The position involves large-scale food preparation in accordance with tested and standardized recipes to ensure both consistency and nutritional value. Workers assist with food storage and inventory while maintaining a sanitary environment through safe food handling practices in line with certification requirements. Having a Health Department Food Handlers Card and completion plus maintenance of sanitation and managers certifications are mandatory for this position, emphasizing the commitment to food safety and regulatory compliance.\n\nEssential skills include the ability to read and interpret recipes, follow oral instructions related to food preparation and safety, and proficiently operate kitchen equipment. The worker maintains compliance with district, state, and federal requirements of Child Nutrition Programs while exhibiting strong communication, positive public relations, and interpersonal skills. Time management and the ability to work independently with limited supervision are also necessary to meet the fast-paced demands of a school kitchen environment.\n\nAdditional responsibilities include cash handling, accurate record keeping, assisting with inventory requisitions, and supporting kitchen safety protocols. The Food Service Worker actively promotes teamwork, respects cultural diversity among colleagues and students, and is expected to demonstrate a consistent attendance record with infrequent unplanned absences. Physical demands of the role are significant, involving constant walking and standing, bending, twisting, and handling of food and kitchen equipment under frequently loud conditions. The environment may expose workers to moderate extremes in temperature and potential minor injuries such as cuts or burns, reinforcing the importance of adhering to safety protocols.\n\nApplicants should be prepared for a tightly scheduled workday that involves multitasking duties related to food production, safety compliance, and customer service within the school setting. The school supports continued professional development through mandated standard training hours annually to ensure that all team members remain current in best practices. Berry Middle School offers a dynamic workplace where commitment to quality nutrition, safety, and teamwork is essential to support the school community's well-being and educational success.