Lead Food Service Worker - Harvey School Nutrition

Whitsons Culinary Group•Harvey, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Food Service Worker prepares and serves meals in a school nutrition setting while helping direct the food service team during the shift. The role supports meal quality, portioning, food safety, sanitation, accurate compliance documentation, and timely service to students and school staff. It also handles daily food and supply ordering, receiving and storage; serving lines and beverage areas; meal deliveries when needed; and POS and cash handling. The position is full-time and non-exempt, with days and hours aligned to the school district’s food service schedule. It is primarily site-based, and occasional travel to other school locations within the district may be required. Occasional extended hours may be needed for special events, audits, or operational needs. The role requires a professional, reliable, customer-focused team lead who communicates with the Chef Manager, team members, and school staff. The Lead Food Service Worker serves as the on-site food safety authority during the shift, maintains food safety and sanitation standards, and models the organization’s standards and procedures. The position operates primarily in a kitchen and food service production environment, with moderate to loud noise during meal service.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum 2–3 years of professional food service experience.
ServSafe certification is required; certification may be obtained through training, and local food safety certification is required in the jurisdiction of employment.
Ability to read and follow approved menus, recipes, yield guides, and production records.
Ability 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 follow food safety procedures.
Ability to stand for most of the workday; frequently walk, talk, hear, use hands and fingers, 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 extreme hot and cold temperatures and move in and out of storerooms and near freezers.

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.
Experience directing the work of others in a kitchen or food service environment.
Experience with USDA NSLP/SBP program requirements, production records, and temperature log maintenance.
Experience with POS systems and cash handling.
A valid driver’s license is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare and serve meals in accordance with approved menus, recipes, nutrition and portion guidelines, and meal service deadlines.
Coordinate and direct the food service team during the shift, including assigning tasks, monitoring performance, and addressing operational issues.
Handle daily ordering, receiving, and storage of food, beverages, and supplies.
Maintain food safety, sanitation, temperature controls, and compliance documentation.
Maintain production records and temperature logs accurately.
Organize staff and cleaning duties and keep the kitchen and service environment clean and orderly.
Manage hot and cold serving lines, brew coffee, and keep beverage areas stocked.
Deliver meals when needed for classrooms, staff, or catered events.
Use POS systems and handle cash, ensuring deposits are accurate.
Communicate clearly with the Chef Manager, food service team, and school staff, and escalate significant operational or personnel matters.
Serve students and school staff in a friendly, professional manner and support food quality and presentation.
Complete required Whitsons and government-mandated training.
Travel occasionally to other school locations within the district for substitute coverage or operational support.