Food Service Specialist - IDEA Pharr (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools is a renowned network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to go to college. Founded in 2000 with just 150 students, IDEA Public Schools has since expanded significantly, now serving over 80,000 college-bound students across 143 schools in Texas, Florida, Ohio, and beyond. Recognized on national rankings such as The Washington Post and U.S. News & World Report's top high schools lists, IDEA is a growing educational organization committed to academic excellence and creating pathways to college for all its students. The organization fosters a strong culture of integrity, respect, and belonging among its staff, promoting human connection through its Core Values and an active Staff Culture and Belonging Team.

We are currently seeking a Food Service Specialist to join the IDEA team in a role that combines culinary skills, student engagement, and operational responsibilities within our school cafeterias. This position plays a critical role in the daily functioning of the food service program, ensuring that students receive nutritious meals in a safe, clean, and welcoming environment. The Food Service Specialist will be responsible for preparing, portioning, and serving food, as well as performing essential kitchen duties including food prep and sanitation tasks. This role demands an individual who can effectively manage multiple tasks, follow established kitchen processes, and contribute to a positive meal experience for students.

This hourly position offers competitive compensation starting at $13.00 per hour for entry-level experience and up to $14.95 per hour for those with relevant experience. Additionally, team members are eligible for a performance bonus based on group achievement and goal attainment, providing opportunities for further financial reward. The role includes comprehensive benefits such as medical plan premiums substantially covered by the employer, paid family leave, tuition reimbursement, mental and behavioral health services, and more, underscoring IDEA's commitment to supporting its employees both professionally and personally.

The Food Service Specialist role requires an individual with the ability to interpret and follow recipes, maintain safe food handling and sanitation standards, and operate kitchen equipment efficiently. The ideal candidate possesses basic math skills, physical stamina to meet the job's demands, and the agility to work in a dynamic, team-oriented setting. This position also involves closely monitoring students during meal periods to promote healthy eating habits, appropriate behavior, and safe sharing practices, thereby supporting the overall well-being and development of IDEA students.

Working at IDEA Public Schools means being part of a mission-driven organization that encourages action, accountability, and continuous improvement. Team and Family members embody core values that foster a collaborative, high-growth environment where feedback is welcomed and used constructively to enhance outcomes. By joining IDEA, employees become integral to an educational movement that relentlessly pursues 100% college acceptance for its graduates, providing meaningful work with direct impact on the futures of young learners.