Food Service Assistant

Mapleton School District is a public school district located in Mapleton, Oregon, serving a small student body of approximately 150 students from the communities of Deadwood, Swisshome, and Mapleton. The district prides itself on a close-knit and caring educational environment, with an average class size of just 12 students, which allows staff to maintain meaningful relationships and provide individualized attention to every student. Mapleton operates on a four-day school week, Monday through Thursday, which offers a unique schedule structure that benefits both students and staff. The school district is committed to providing equal opportunity employment and maintaining a nondiscriminatory workplace as part of its core policy values. Mapleton School District values teamwork, community involvement, and the ongoing professional growth of its employees, fostering a supportive work culture for all its staff members.

The district is currently seeking a Part-time Food Service Assistant to join its team. This classified position offers part-time work at approximately four hours per school day across roughly 157 contracted days, including nine paid holidays. Compensation for this role begins at $23.54 per hour according to the Mapleton Classified Salary Schedule. The Food Service Assistant reports directly to the Food Service Director and Superintendent and plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient daily operation of the school kitchen. Responsibilities include assisting the Food Service Manager while strictly adhering to kitchen procedures, district policies, and pertinent state and federal laws. Work assignments may vary between different sites within the district, depending on menu demands and district needs.

In this role, the Food Service Assistant will be engaged in various hands-on food preparation tasks such as preparing salads, sandwiches, soups, simple desserts, and breakfast items, ensuring quality and safety standards are met. In addition to food preparation, the assistant will perform crucial kitchen cleaning duties including washing dishes, pots, and pans, as well as assisting in the setup of service areas and serving food in compliance with site and state regulations. The role requires proactive maintenance such as cleaning and storing equipment and transporting food between buildings or from storage areas to kitchen work zones.

Physical demands of the position involve activities such as bending, twisting, squatting, climbing, lifting or carrying weights ranging from 35 to 50 pounds, reaching above shoulder level, standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods. The role also requires manual dexterity for repetitive and fine manipulation tasks. Supervision and assistance of students during food service hours form part of the responsibilities, ensuring a safe and orderly environment. Candidates must possess or be eligible to obtain a Food Handlers Card, which can be provided through district training, and must successfully pass a pre-employment criminal background check.

This position offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the well-being of students by supporting nutrition services in a vibrant and supportive school community. Employees at Mapleton School District enjoy working in a collaborative environment enriched by strong community ties and a commitment to educational excellence. The Food Service Assistant role provides a stable part-time job with competitive pay and the chance to be part of a dedicated team committed to student success and healthy school meal programs.