Food Service Assistant (Part-time): Mesa, AZ

Mesa, AZ, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Part-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Range $19.00 - $28.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Paid sick time

401(k) plan with employer match

Job Description

Bezos Academy is a tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschool dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education to children, designed to nurture their full potential and foster lifelong learning. With a focus on creating a supportive and engaging environment, Bezos Academy integrates educational excellence with comprehensive child care services. The Academy operates multiple preschool locations and is committed to promoting inclusive education through evidence-based practices and innovative learning approaches.

The role of Food Service Assistant at Bezos Academy is integral to maintaining the health and safety of the children by ensuring nutritious and compliant meals are provided daily. This position involves managing all aspects of food preparation and service in accordance with USDA requirements, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), local regulations, and internal policies. The Food Service Assistant will be responsible not only for preparing and serving meals but also for orchestrating the overall kitchen operations, including ordering, inventory management, and food safety compliance.

Working part-time, primarily in Mesa, Arizona at the Adobe Hills or Meadowvale locations starting August 2026, this role demands strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to follow strict safety and hygiene protocols. Candidates will typically work 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., earning a competitive hourly wage ranging from $19 to $28, with pay based on experience and performance.

Beyond culinary responsibilities, the Food Service Assistant plays a collaborative role within the preschool by assisting with classroom support when needed. This may include helping teachers with everyday operations, supervising children safely, supporting children’s developmental needs, and participating in school-wide activities that enhance the learning environment.

The Food Service Assistant is expected to place weekly food orders, validate deliveries, maintain accurate records, manage budgets, and ensure meals meet all nutritional and safety standards. The role requires familiarity with food allergens, dietary accommodations, and the ability to adapt menus based on the needs of children and the available resources. Additionally, the assistant handles clean-up duties, organizes the workspace, ensures equipment sanitation, and supports staff with operational tasks such as laundry and front desk assistance after kitchen duties are complete.

This position is a perfect opportunity for individuals passionate about child nutrition, food safety, and early childhood education, seeking a role that blends culinary expertise with direct support in an educational setting. The Food Service Assistant will be an essential team member contributing to an enriching and safe preschool experience that supports every child’s growth and well-being. The Academy also values diversity and inclusion, offering reasonable accommodations and is committed to compliance with employment authorization laws through E-Verify processes.

Job Requirements

Age 18 with high school diploma or GED
Ability to pass background checks and complete all trainings required by the Arizona Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Knowledge of cooking methods and procedures including various types of preparation
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for long periods, and perform repetitive tasks
Experience in an institutional or regulated kitchen or food setting
Active and current food worker card
Understanding of Arizona food and beverage worker manual
Ability to speak, read, and write English fluently
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or GED
Ability to pass background checks and complete required trainings
Knowledge of cooking methods and food preparation procedures
Experience in institutional or regulated kitchen or food service settings
Active and current food worker card
Understanding of Arizona food and beverage worker manual
Ability to speak, read, and write English fluently
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Familiarity with USDA and CACFP guidelines preferred
Experience in preschool or childcare kitchen settings preferred
Working knowledge of food allergens and accommodations preferred
Experience with Montessori pedagogy or early childhood education preferred
Ability to work with children with special needs
Spanish fluency is a plus

Job Duties

Place weekly food orders with the vendor based on student attendance trends and food waste analysis
Receive and verify daily food deliveries to ensure accuracy with order quantities and menu compliance
Manage all aspects of vendor performance to ensure quality and service standards
Ensure meals served meet USDA and Bezos Academy standards and document menu changes
Track food consumption and waste daily to optimize food costs
Prepare and serve meals and utensils to classrooms for each scheduled meal service
Maintain strict compliance with food hygiene and safety protocols
Clean, sanitize, and maintain kitchen equipment, serving utensils, cookware, and dishes
Manage and organize food inventory including labeling, dating, stock rotation, and disposal
Record and log food temperatures before each meal service
Accommodate children’s special dietary needs including allergies and restrictions
Assist in meal service during family engagement and school events
Provide classroom coverage and support teachers as needed
Organize materials and clean workspace to support learning
Support children’s independence with daily living skills
Assist with operational duties such as laundry and front desk support
Participate in team meetings and staff development