Food Service Worker - Gardner School Nutrition

Whitsons Culinary Group • Gardner, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Food Service Worker supports school meal service by preparing, portioning, and serving meals to students and staff. The role includes setting up and cleaning serving stations and kitchen areas, following food safety and sanitation procedures, and helping create a positive, welcoming mealtime experience. Team members work with the Chef Manager, Lead Cook, and fellow food service workers in a fast-paced kitchen and food service production environment.

The position follows the facility’s food service schedule and is described as full-time or part-time, non-exempt. It is primarily site-based, with occasional travel to other locations for substitute coverage or support. The posting highlights a Monday–Friday school schedule, with no nights or weekends, and time off during evenings, weekends, holidays, and summers. Occasional extended hours may be needed for special events or operational needs.

The role requires standing for most of the workday; frequent walking, talking, and hearing; handling food, tools, and equipment; and reaching with hands and arms. Team members must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side. The work involves exposure to hot and cold temperatures and regular movement in and out of storerooms and near freezers. The kitchen’s noise level ranges from moderate to loud during meal service.

Requirements

• Ability to speak and read English sufficiently to understand and perform job assignments, follow recipes, and comply with safety requirements.
• Positive attitude and team spirit.
• Reliability and attention to cleanliness and detail.
• Willingness to learn and follow food safety rules.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a food service team in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to stand for most of the workday and frequently walk, talk, hear, handle food, tools, and equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side.
• Ability to work around hot and cold temperatures and move in and out of storerooms and near freezers.
• Must complete all Whitsons and government-mandated training.

Nice To Haves

• At least 1 year of professional food service experience.
• ServSafe certification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, portion, and serve meals to students and staff.
• Set up and clean serving stations and kitchen areas.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Maintain accurate logs and documentation.
• Complete food preparation, service, and sanitation tasks accurately and on time.
• Follow portion and production standards.
• Monitor temperatures and maintain stocked, clean, and properly maintained stations.
• Serve guests in a friendly and professional manner and maintain a welcoming, clean station.
• Work cooperatively with the Chef Manager, Lead Cook, and fellow food service workers.
• Follow assigned schedules and break rotations, and maintain proper dress and hygiene standards.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Competitive pay of $17 per hour.
• Opportunities for growth.
• Family-friendly hours, with the posting describing evenings, weekends, holidays, and summers off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed