Trainer I Culinary Skills (226 Days)

The Food and Child Nutrition Services (FCNS) division of Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) is dedicated to providing high-quality and nutritious meals to students across more than 200 campuses. As a major educational institution in Texas, Dallas ISD is committed to fostering a positive food service environment through effective training, compliance with regulations, and continuous improvement in culinary practices. FCNS emphasizes the importance of food safety, standardized recipes, and efficient food production. This commitment ensures that school cafeterias maintain consistent quality and meet all health and safety standards set forth by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), USDA Professional Standards, and other governmental bodies. This division not only serves the nutritional needs of students but also supports the wellness and educational outcomes across the district by promoting healthy eating habits and proper food handling practices.

The role of the Trainer I Culinary Skills is a full-time position based at the Food and Child Nutrition Services located at 1515 Al Lipscomb Way, Dallas, TX 75215. The position operates primarily during the day shift and offers a minimum salary of $56,699 per year. This role is instrumental in developing and delivering comprehensive culinary skills training programs to food service technicians employed by Dallas ISD. The Trainer is responsible for coaching new hires as well as current employees, ensuring they adhere to the highest standards of food production and safety. This includes the administration of Serve Safe Food Safety and Food Handler training, which is vital for over 1,100 department staff members.

Key responsibilities include the development of Culinary Skills Training and Kitchen Basics programs tailored to the needs of each campus. The Trainer I observes food preparation to confirm compliance with standardized recipes, providing timely feedback and suggestions to supervisors and staff to maintain quality and safety standards. Collaboration is a core component of this role, working closely with the Professional Development Manager, Director of Support Services, Menu/Procurement Manager, and Menu Supervisor. Such cooperation ensures that training materials remain current and impactful and supports special projects aimed at improving the food service operation district-wide.

An important aspect of this position is the management of documentation, including maintaining civil rights certificates for over 1,400 employees, tracking food handlers’ qualifications, and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements mandated by federal and state agencies. The Trainer also assists with curriculum development for both face-to-face and virtual training modules, supporting professional development across all campuses. Handling food quality investigations and supporting campus supervisors in daily operational duties further contribute to the Trainer’s vital role in maintaining a robust child nutrition program.

This role demands physical endurance to occasionally lift or move up to 40 pounds and requires strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. The ideal candidate is assertive, detail-oriented, and collaborative, able to multi-task effectively within a dynamic work environment. Fluency in Spanish is a plus, enhancing communication within a diverse team and campus community. Overall, the Trainer I Culinary Skills position is a pivotal role designed to uphold the integrity, safety, and excellence of food services within Dallas ISD, contributing significantly to the health and wellbeing of students across the district.