Culinary Assistant

New Bedford Public Schools • New Bedford, MA

366d • $40,000 - $46,000

About The Position

The Food Service Culinary Assistant is responsible for managing and serving meals for students and adults, following a cycle menu under the direction of the Director of Food Services or their designee. This position aims to develop strategies, grow capacity, and manage systems that align with the mission to eliminate student hunger by enhancing the quality, sustainability, and efficiency of child nutritional programs in schools and the community. The goals include improving food quality served to students, increasing student participation in food programs, and enhancing student learning opportunities.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of food service regulations and best practices in an educational and/or commercial kitchen setting.
• 2-3 years of meal preparation and culinary education experience required.
• Experience with project coordination required.
• Valid Drivers' License.
• High School diploma or GED required.
• Demonstrates interest in working with children in a school environment.
• Ability to handle conflicts while maintaining constructive relationships.
• Ability to use sound decision-making skills to troubleshoot daily situations.
• Current Safe Serve or similar approved Food Safety certificate preferred, or ability to obtain.
• Current Food Allergy Awareness Certification, or ability to obtain.
• Current Choke Safe Certification, or ability to obtain.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a diverse population.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to stand, reach, lift, carry, bend, kneel, climb, push, and pull items weighing up to 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in school nutrition programs preferred.
• Relevant bachelor's degree preferred or educational requirement may be substituted for at least five years of experience in a relevant field.
• Current certifications in food safety and allergy awareness.

Responsibilities

• Manage and communicate with the kitchen staff to ensure production is met for meal service.
• Instruct Cook and Assistant Cook with meal production.
• Manage the production of meals to students and staff efficiently, maintaining adequate portion controls and waste.
• Ensure proper portioning of food and that all reimbursable meals include the required food items on the tray.
• Proficient in 'offer vs. serve' and USDA reimbursable meals.
• Ensure proper serving temperature and palatability of food prior to serving.
• Use proper food handling techniques including hand washing methods, gloves, and hair restraints.
• Batch cook foods as needed between lunches, ensuring all lunch shifts have proper quantities of food.
• Manage all tasks related to sanitation of the kitchen and equipment.
• Manage the daily preparation of food as determined by the menu using standardized recipes.
• Oversee all daily food logs and maintain records per Standard Operating Procedures.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely.
• Ensure that all food, dry goods, and chemicals are handled and stored appropriately.
• Monitor the temperature of food during storage, production, and service.
• Ensure the kitchen and cafeteria are sanitized and organized.
• Notify Cafeteria Manager of any supplies needed for restocking.
• Assist in receiving, rotating, dating, and storing all deliveries.
• Prepare daily pull sheets according to the projected planned menu.
• Interact professionally and courteously with students and staff.
• Coordinate and facilitate all Food Service Functions with Food Service Director or Designee.
• Perform any and all tasks as assigned by the Director of Food Services.

Benefits

• Salary range of $40,000.00 - $46,000.00.
• Work Day: 8 hours per day.
• Work Year: 12 Months (including all student instructional days).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees