Food Service Specialist - IDEA Kyle (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools is a nationally recognized network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools committed to the belief that every child is capable of going to college. Since its inception in 2000 with only 150 students, IDEA Public Schools has expanded significantly, now serving over 80,000 college-bound students across 143 schools in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Ohio. The organization is well-known for its high academic standards and consistent achievement, featuring prominently in national rankings such as those from The Washington Post and U.S. News & World Report. IDEA’s mission centers on fostering educational excellence, ensuring students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for college and beyond, and creating an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As part of IDEA Public Schools, the Food Service Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of students by ensuring nutritious and appropriately prepared meals are served. This position is vital in maintaining high standards of food safety, kitchen hygiene, and student engagement during meal periods. The role requires preparing, portioning, and serving food quantities tailored specifically for IDEA students, with duties that extend to cutting and chopping fruits and vegetables, adhering closely to recipes and kitchen processes, and monitoring student behavior during meal times to encourage healthy eating habits and effective social conduct. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen through sweeping, mopping, wiping tables, washing dishes, and disposing of trash is an integral part of the position.

The Food Service Specialist position is hourly, with compensation ranging from $15.90 to $18.29 based on experience, and includes eligibility for a performance-based bonus aligned with team achievement and goal attainment. IDEA Public Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package covering a significant portion of medical insurance premiums for employees and their families, paid family leave, tuition reimbursement, mental and behavioral health support, and professional development focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This role is ideal for individuals passionate about working in food service within a dynamic educational environment, capable of multitasking across cooking, cleaning, restocking, and kitchen organization to support daily operations and student nutrition. The Food Service Specialist must be physically capable of performing tasks involving lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods and should be adaptable to various job duties that may change throughout the school year according to the academic calendar, including possible overtime and weekend shifts. Candidates who join IDEA Public Schools become part of a collaborative team committed to the organization’s values of urgency, accountability, cultural competence, and continuous improvement, all aimed at empowering students on their path to college success.