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FOOD SERVICE MANAGER TRAINEE (Initial Application)

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Hourly
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $18.83 - $24.91
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional development opportunities

Job Description

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is a large public school district committed to delivering quality education and services to students across the Milwaukee area. As one of the largest educational systems in Wisconsin, MPS focuses on cultivating a safe, supportive, and efficient learning environment. Among its many departments, the Food and Nutrition Services division plays an essential role in promoting student health and wellness by providing high-quality, nutritious meals to students and staff throughout the district. This department adheres strictly to federal, state, and local guidelines to ensure food safety and nutritional standards are met, aligning with the broader strategic goals of MPS to support student success, community engagement, and operational excellence.

The Food Service Manager Trainee position is an entry-level, on-the-job training role designed to develop the skills necessary to efficiently manage school kitchen operations. This position offers a unique opportunity for individuals seeking to build a career in food service management within an educational setting. Trainees will work closely with experienced food service managers to learn the day-to-day responsibilities and operations involved in maintaining a smooth and productive kitchen environment. This includes overseeing meal preparation, ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations, managing food inventory, supervising kitchen staff, and maintaining cleanliness and organization in food service areas.

The role is a full-time position with a competitive salary range of $18.83 to $24.91 per hour, and it requires no night shifts, weekend work, or holiday duties, making it an attractive option for candidates seeking a stable and balanced work schedule. Travel between different school locations may be necessary, allowing the trainee to gain diverse experiences across various kitchen environments. The position also emphasizes excellent customer service skills, ensuring that meals served meet both quality and nutritional standards while supporting student satisfaction.

Candidates who join MPS in this role will benefit from ongoing support, training opportunities, and a structured pathway to becoming a fully qualified Food Service Manager. The position also includes a focus on professional development, including the expectation to obtain and maintain ServSafe certification within six months of employment. MPS fosters a collaborative work culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, offering reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The district also upholds a non-discrimination policy that guarantees equal employment opportunities regardless of a candidate's sex, race, age, religion, or other protected characteristics.

To apply, interested individuals are encouraged to submit a complete application along with a current resume, detailing relevant work experience or educational credentials. The selection process includes evaluations based on education and experience, potentially supplemented by written, oral, or performance tests. Military veterans or spouses of veterans are encouraged to submit their DD214 form as part of their application. This role promises not only career growth within the dynamic environment of a major public school district but also the fulfillment of contributing to student well-being through excellent food service management.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • One year of recent full-time experience as a professional cook in a kitchen preparing at least 100 meals per sitting and producing a wide variety of food items in an institutional setting or a full-service restaurant
  • Associate degree in culinary arts may be substituted for the full-time experience
  • Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds
  • Must be able to stand or walk for majority of the work period
  • Ability to bend squat crawl climb and reach
  • Must obtain ServSafe certification within 6 months of employment and maintain thereafter

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • One year of recent full-time experience as a professional cook in a kitchen preparing at least 100 meals per sitting and producing a wide variety of food items in an institutional setting or a full-service restaurant
  • Associate degree in culinary arts may be substituted for the full-time experience
  • Ability to learn management and supervisory tasks
  • ServSafe certification preferred

Job Duties

  • Work closely with food service manager to learn the essentials of the position
  • Actively engage and supervise the daily food preparation and service of high quality nutritious meals to students and adults
  • Ensure adherence to established local state and federal guidelines and regulations for preparing serving counting and claiming of meals
  • Supervise and train food service assistants in their work and instruct them on daily tasks
  • Process all online food and stock requisitions and maintain back of the house inventory
  • Supervise and assist in cleaning kitchens storerooms refrigerators and other kitchen equipment
  • Inspect food quality and quantity recipe compliance cafeteria cleanliness and service on a continual basis

Job Criteria

Experience

Entry Level (1-2 years)


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