Lead Food Service Worker - Downers Grove School Nutrition

Whitsons Culinary Group • Downers Grove, IL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Food Service Worker prepares and serves meals to students in a school nutrition setting while coordinating the work of the food service team during the shift. The role supports meal quality, portion and nutrition guidelines, food safety, sanitation, service operations, and accurate compliance documentation. It is a full-time, non-exempt, primarily site-based position aligned with the school district’s food service schedule. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with no regular nights, weekends, or holidays; occasional extended hours may be needed for special events, audits, or operational needs. Summers are off while school is out. Occasional travel to other school locations within the district may be needed for substitute coverage or operational support.

The position handles food and supply ordering, receiving, storage, kitchen cleaning coordination, serving-line setup, beverage service, meal delivery when needed, and POS and cash-handling tasks. The Lead Food Service Worker is the on-site food safety authority during the shift, directs team members, communicates operational matters to the Chef Manager, and serves students and school staff professionally. Work takes place primarily in a kitchen and food service production environment, with moderate to loud noise during meal service and exposure to hot and cold temperatures.

The posted pay rate is $16.50 per hour. Benefits listed include medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and ongoing training and development.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of food service experience is listed in the introductory qualifications; the detailed qualifications specify a minimum of 2–3 years of professional food service experience.
• ServSafe certification is mandatory for PIC designation; the introductory qualifications state that candidates may be willing to obtain certification, and the detailed qualifications indicate training may be provided. Local food safety certification is required in the jurisdiction of employment.
• Must complete all Whitsons and government-mandated training.
• Ability to direct the work of others in a kitchen or food service environment.
• Ability to read and follow approved menus, recipes, yield guides, and production records, and to complete compliance documentation accurately.
• Ability to speak and read English sufficiently to perform job assignments and communicate effectively with school staff, parents, and team members.
• Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and ability to lead a team with a calm, positive, and accountable approach.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment and commitment to food safety and team development.
• Must be able to stand for most of the workday; frequently walk, talk, and hear; handle food, tools, and equipment; reach with hands and arms; and lift or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side.
• Ability to work around cooking and refrigeration equipment, extreme hot and cold temperatures, storerooms, and freezers.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

• Food safety manager training is strongly preferred.
• Prior lead, senior, or PIC experience in a school nutrition or institutional food service setting is strongly preferred.
• Experience with USDA NSLP/SBP program requirements, production records, and temperature-log maintenance is preferred.
• Experience with POS systems and cash handling is preferred.
• A valid driver’s license is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals in accordance with nutrition and portion guidelines, approved menus, recipes, and production records.
• Coordinate and direct the food service team during the shift, assign tasks, monitor performance, and address operational issues.
• Handle daily ordering, receiving, and storage of food, beverages, and supplies.
• Organize kitchen cleaning duties and enforce food safety, sanitation, temperature-control, and compliance requirements.
• Set up hot and cold serving lines, brew coffee, and keep beverage areas stocked.
• Deliver meals when needed for classrooms, staff, or catered events.
• Manage POS transactions and cash handling, and ensure deposits are accurate.
• Complete food preparation, service, sanitation, production records, temperature logs, and other compliance documentation accurately and on time.
• Communicate with the Chef Manager, team members, and school staff; escalate issues and keep the Manager informed of significant operational or personnel matters.
• Serve students and school staff in a friendly and professional manner, maintaining food quality, presentation, and a clean, welcoming service environment.
• Follow Whitsons policies, schedules, and procedures, and model professional standards for the team.
• Travel occasionally to other school locations within the district for substitute coverage or operational support.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Ongoing training and development
• Family-friendly Monday–Friday schedule with no regular nights, weekends, or major holidays
• Summers off while school is out
• Growth opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED