Food Service Assistant (Part-time): Renton, WA

Bezos Academy•Renton, WA

9d•$22 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

Bezos Academy is hiring a part-time Food Service Assistant for its Renton – North Highlands preschool. The role manages food preparation and service, including menu compliance, ordering, delivery verification, food costs, inventory, documentation, cleaning, and food safety. Meals must meet USDA requirements, Bezos Academy policies, and local childcare regulations. Depending on the school site and whether food is prepared on-site or the school participates in CACFP, additional responsibilities may include preparing meals, maintaining CACFP records, and ensuring required meal portions and documentation. The Food Service Assistant also supports school operations outside the kitchen, including inventory checks, laundry, front desk duties, and other tasks as assigned. When needed, the role provides classroom coverage and supports children and teachers with classroom routines, daily living skills, and positive relationships. This is a part-time, non-exempt hourly position requiring at least 25 hours per week. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, with the expected shift of 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Additional hours may occasionally be available based on school needs. Compensation is $22–$33 per hour; starting pay varies with qualifications and prior experience. The role includes accrued paid sick time and a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
Pass background checks and complete all trainings required by the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families upon hire.
Know cooking methods and procedures, including various types of food preparation.
Be able to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for long periods, and perform repetitive tasks to prepare and serve food safely.
Have experience working in an institutional or highly regulated kitchen or food setting and a clear understanding of food preparation best practices and protocols.
Hold an active and current food worker card.
Understand the Washington food and beverage worker manual.
Speak, read, and write English fluently.
Have basic proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within U.S. Department of Agriculture and Child and Adult Care Food Program (USDA/CACFP) guidelines.
Two or more years of experience working in a school (preschool, early childhood education, daycare, or K–12 environment) or similar kitchen setting.
Working knowledge of food allergens, intolerances, preferences, and accommodations.
Prior experience as an Assistant Teacher in a preschool setting.
An associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or two years of post-secondary coursework in Early Childhood Education.
Experience with Montessori pedagogy.
Experience with children with special needs.
Fluency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Place weekly food orders based on student attendance trends, food waste analysis, the planned menu, and current inventory, as applicable.
Receive and verify food deliveries for accuracy, quality, and alignment with the approved menu; follow the Emergency Food SOP or contact the vendor as applicable when deliveries are noncompliant, incorrect, or spoiled.
Manage routine vendor performance and follow up to ensure expectations are met or exceeded.
Ensure meals served to students comply with requirements and document menu changes.
Track food consumption and waste daily to manage food costs efficiently.
Prepare and deliver meals and utensils to classrooms on schedule; when preparing food on-site, prepare meals according to the planned menu and schedule and adapt recipes for dietary restrictions.
Maintain food hygiene and safety protocols; clean, sanitize, and maintain the kitchen, equipment, serving utensils, cookware, and dishes.
Organize food inventory by labeling, dating, rotating stock, and discarding items as required by food safety guidelines.
Record food temperatures before each meal service.
Accommodate children’s dietary needs, including allergies, medical restrictions, and cultural or religious requirements.
Assist with meal service during family engagement and school events as needed.
When applicable, adapt menus to avoid spoilage and waste and help plan nutritious, budget-friendly, appealing menus.
When the school participates in CACFP, retain vendor delivery receipts for three years, support appropriate portion sizes, review meal counts and upload them weekly, provide documentation for menu substitutions, and attend required annual sponsor training.
Provide classroom coverage and support teachers with implementation of school standards, policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
Support classroom routines such as cleaning materials, meal preparation, and nap transitions; organize materials and workspaces to facilitate learning.
Support children’s daily living skills, provide one-to-one support to children experiencing big feelings, and develop positive relationships with children.
Assist the Head of School and staff with other operational duties as needed, including laundry and front desk support.
Participate in team meetings, center activities, and staff development.
Clock in and out of Workday based on food-related responsibilities, as applicable.