Kitchen Specialist - Spencer ES

Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) is a renowned educational institution committed to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment across its district. The OKCPS Operations Center, particularly the Student Nutrition Services department, plays a vital role in ensuring that students receive nutritious and tasty meals every school day. The student nutrition program adheres strictly to federal, state, and local regulations, reinforcing the importance of health and safety while encouraging a harmonious workplace for all kitchen staff. Serving thousands of students daily, the OKCPS Student Nutrition Services department aims not only to provide balanced meals but also to support school events and departmental activities through catering services. This helps maintain a vibrant school community and a smooth operational flow within the district. OKCPS is dedicated to hiring individuals who are proactive, safety-conscious, and passionate about contributing to the well-being of students and staff through their work in nutrition services. The position of Kitchen Specialist at the OKCPS Operations Center is an essential role within this framework, classified as non-exempt with a focus on delivering high-quality food service efficiently and safely. This is a part-time role with six working hours per day, totaling 176 workdays in a year, with a salary starting at $454, dependent on experience. Located at the OKCPS Operations Center, the position reports directly to a Cafeteria Supervisor and supports multiple school locations as needed, including duties related to catering and special event preparation. This position is classified as Safety Sensitive under Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Department of Transportation regulations, requiring all candidates to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen prior to hiring. Employees must maintain compliance with safety-sensitive regulations throughout their employment.

The Kitchen Specialist is primarily responsible for the receiving, safeguarding, preparing, cooking, serving, and cleaning up of food and related supplies. The role involves working collaboratively with other kitchen staff to create a cohesive and efficient environment. The Kitchen Specialist maintains clean and safe workspaces by following all safety and sanitation standards issued by federal, state, and local authorities. This role supports the cafeteria supervisor by occasionally performing supervisory duties in their absence, including clerical tasks like menu planning and inventory management. Participating in training and certification programs is also essential to ensure continued professional development and adherence to health standards. The ideal candidate for this position should have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and a Food Protection Manager Certification as stipulated by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Physical activity is a regular part of the role, requiring the candidate to stand for extended periods, carry supplies up to 75 pounds with assistance, and possess adequate vision and dexterity to perform the tasks safely. The Kitchen Specialist must demonstrate punctuality, a neat and uniformed appearance, and maintain consistent attendance. This position offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute positively to the health and nutrition of students within the OKCPS district while working as part of a dedicated team committed to excellence in school nutrition services.