Kitchen Assistant Part Time [Starts $18/hr]

Omaha Public Schools•Omaha, NE

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Kitchen Assistant supports the preparation, serving, and storage of quality meals for students and staff. The role includes cleaning and sanitizing kitchen equipment and work areas, rotating food stock and supplies, following approved cafeteria menu procedures and food-safety requirements, and providing responsive customer service. The assistant may train in all kitchen stations to provide cross-coverage and may assist at other schools when requested. The position is based at Bryan Middle and is scheduled for 3.5 hours per day, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., during the school year from August through May when students are in session. It is a classified, part-time, non-exempt hourly position, paid biweekly, and reports to the Executive Director, Nutrition Services. The posting lists a starting rate of $18 per hour, an annual uniform allowance, and a complimentary shift meal. The role requires safe operation of commercial kitchen equipment, maintaining food safety and sanitation procedures, and completing required training and certification. Work may take place in school buildings, an office environment, and warehouse settings, with local travel required. The position involves interaction with district personnel, students, customers, and vendors, and requires tact, diplomacy, a positive attitude, and professional, timely customer service.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic using money, weights, volumes, and distances, including whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Safe food-handling skills and practical working knowledge of food-safety practices and procedures.
Customer-relations and service-recovery skills.
Excellent attendance and work record.
Ability to interact sensitively and effectively with students, coworkers, teachers, administrators, staff, parents, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
Organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks with attention to detail.
Ability to read and communicate in English and to receive and process verbal information and respond to nonverbal cues.
Ability to maintain a positive, professional attitude and provide responsive customer service.
Ability to operate food-service equipment safely and comply with equipment-use guidelines.
Successful completion of the Douglas County Food Handlers Certification with a score of 80% or above before attending the kitchen training class.
Successful completion of Kitchen Assistant Training and ability to maintain a current Douglas County Food Handler’s Certification.
Ability to respond rapidly in emergencies.
Ability to lift, move, and reposition objects and materials, frequently exerting force equal to 50 pounds.
Ability to perform the physical activities described, including standing, walking, lifting, pushing and pulling carts, reaching, and handling kitchen tools and equipment.
Ability to meet required employment contingencies, including an acceptable background check, work-authorization verification, and any applicable drug test, tuberculosis test, and pre-employment medical examination.

Nice To Haves

Previous food-service experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with food preparation, service, and storage.
Clean and sanitize large and small equipment, serving utensils, dishes, and kitchen areas.
Follow approved cafeteria menu preparation and service protocols and meet approved timelines.
Train in all kitchen stations and provide cross-coverage as needed.
Provide appealing food and excellent customer service, including proactive service efforts and service recovery.
Monitor portion control, proper pricing, and safe storage of food and supplies.
Assist with required reports and daily tasks.
Rotate food stock and supplies.
Follow food safety, cleaning, sanitation, hygiene, and HACCP procedures.
Recognize a reimbursable meal.
Operate food-service equipment safely and assist with the dish machine as needed.
Work effectively with a diverse student population and serve as a positive role model.
Travel locally and to other schools when requested.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor or designated central office administrators.