Kitchen Aide

Des Moines, IA, USA|

Job Overview

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Job Description

The hiring organization is a reputable educational institution committed to providing nutritious and safely prepared meals to students and staff within its school community. This institution prioritizes high standards of food quality and sanitation, ensuring that every meal served meets established health and nutritional guidelines. A key component of its mission is to foster a healthy, safe, and satisfying dining experience, which reflects the institution's overall dedication to the well-being and development of every individual it serves. The institution operates a well-equipped cafeteria that follows strict safety standards and modern food service methodologies.

The role being offered is that of a Food Service Worker within the school setting. This position is vital to the smooth daily operation of the cafeteria and involves assisting in the preparation and serving of a variety of food items including meat dishes, vegetables, salads, sandwiches, fruits, soups, and sauces. The candidate will be responsible for maintaining food quality standards in terms of appearance and nutrition, ensuring compliance with safety protocols by monitoring food and water temperatures, and adhering to strict sanitation and kitchen safety procedures. In addition to food preparation, the role includes serving food to faculty and staff, handling monetary transactions accurately, and maintaining routine inventory and food sales records. Operating kitchen equipment such as mixers, steamers, dishwashers, ovens, and cash registers is also a core part of the responsibilities.

This Food Service Worker position focuses on helping deliver an efficient and pleasant food service operation, providing attractive, appetizing, and nutritious meals to the school community. The role demands a cooperative spirit and ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors, alongside a strong commitment to health, safety, and cleanliness standards. Candidates will also need to assist in cleaning and maintaining cafeteria equipment and regularly check that sanitation practices meet regulatory requirements. This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to work in a collaborative environment with consistent schedules and the chance to contribute positively to the daily lives of students and faculty. The employment type is typically full-time or part-time within the school cafeteria or kitchen setting. Salary information is in alignment with typical school food service roles and varies according to experience and hours worked.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or g.e.d.
one year experience in school food service preferred
valid bloodborne pathogens and right to know training certificates
successful completion of criminal background investigation

Job Qualifications

Knowledge of principles and methods of quantity food service preparation, serving and storage
knowledge of sanitation and safety practices related to handling, cooking, baking and serving food
knowledge of methods of preparing and serving food in large quantities
knowledge of methods of adjusting and extending recipes and proper substitutions
knowledge of proper methods or storing equipment, materials and supplies
knowledge of standard kitchen equipment, utensils and measurements
knowledge of health and safety regulations
knowledge of basic record-keeping techniques
knowledge of basic math and cashiering skills
ability to prepare and serve food in accordance with health and sanitation regulations
ability to operate and maintain standard machines and equipment found in school cafeterias and kitchens
ability to assist in preparing attractive, appetizing and nutritious meals for students and staff
ability to lift, bend, reach and stand
ability to follow, adjust and extend recipes
ability to understand and follow oral and written directions
ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
ability to lift heavy objects
ability to maintain route records
ability to meet schedules and time lines
ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
ability to observe health and safety regulations
ability to make change accurately
ability to read and write at a level required for successful job performance

Job Duties

Assist in preparing and cooking meat dishes, vegetables and other main dishes
prepare salads, sandwiches, fruit, soups, sauces and other foods
maintain food quality standards including appearance, and nutritional requirements
monitor temperatures of food to assure safety and quality standards are met
monitor water temperatures to assure proper temperature for sanitizing
serve food according to established guidelines and replenish serving containers as needed
serve and sell lunch items to faculty
clean cafeteria equipment, utensils and appliances and store food supplies
assure compliance with kitchen sanitation and safety procedures and regulations
clean refrigerators and storerooms as required
assist in storing unused food and supplies
dispose of unusable leftovers
utilize proper methods of handling foods to be stored
operate a variety of standard kitchen utensils and equipment including mixer, steamer, dishwasher, electric warmer, range, oven, cash register and other cafeteria equipment as required
record amounts of food sold and monies collected as assigned
assist with inventory and maintain routine records as directed
assist in other food service areas as needed
collect money and make correct change
perform related duties as assigned