Lead Food Service Worker - Harvey School Nutrition

Whitsons Culinary Group • Harvey, IN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Food Service Worker prepares and serves nutritious meals to students while directing the food service team during the shift. The position supports daily kitchen operations, maintains food safety and sanitation standards, and helps ensure meal service meets nutrition, portion, and operational requirements. Duties include ordering, receiving, and storing food, beverages, and supplies; organizing staff and cleaning duties; managing hot and cold serving lines and beverage areas; delivering meals for classrooms, staff, or catered events when needed; and handling point-of-sale transactions and cash deposits.

The role is based primarily at a school site and works according to the school district’s food service schedule. It is a full-time, non-exempt position. Occasional extended hours may be needed for special events, audits, or operational needs, and occasional travel to other school locations may be required for substitute coverage or operational support. The work takes place primarily in a kitchen and food service production environment, with moderate to loud noise during meal service.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 2 years of cooking experience; the detailed qualifications specify a minimum of 2–3 years of professional food service experience.
• ServSafe certification is required for the PIC designation; the posting indicates training may be provided. Local food safety certification is also required in the jurisdiction of employment.
• Ability to speak and read English sufficiently to perform assignments and communicate effectively with school staff, parents, and team members.
• Ability to read and follow approved menus, recipes, yield guides, and production records.
• Ability to complete compliance documentation accurately.
• Reliability, professionalism, a positive and accountable approach to leading a team, and the ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Commitment to food safety, team development, and the company’s mission.
• Ability to stand for most of the workday; frequently walk, talk, and hear; use hands and fingers to 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, including cooking and refrigeration equipment and 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 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 according to nutrition and portion guidelines, approved menus, recipes, and production requirements.
• Handle daily ordering, receiving, and storage of food, beverages, and supplies.
• Coordinate and direct the food service team during the shift, including assigning tasks and monitoring performance.
• Organize kitchen operations and cleaning duties and address operational issues.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, temperature controls, and required compliance documentation.
• Manage hot and cold serving lines and keep beverage areas stocked; brew coffee as needed.
• Deliver meals for classrooms, staff, or catered events when needed.
• Manage POS transactions and cash handling and ensure deposits are accurate.
• Complete food preparation, service, sanitation, and documentation accurately and on time.
• Communicate with the Chef Manager, food service team members, and school staff, escalating significant operational or personnel matters as appropriate.
• Serve students and school staff in a friendly, professional manner and maintain a welcoming, clean service environment.
• Travel occasionally to other school locations within the district for substitute coverage or operational support.

Benefits

• Competitive pay ($16 per hour).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off.
• Ongoing training and development.
• Growth opportunities and support to build skills and advance a career.
• Family-friendly Monday–Friday schedule with no nights, weekends, or major holidays.
• Summers off while school is out.
• Positive team environment.

What This Job Offers

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