Substitute Food Service Worker - Slate Valley School Nutrition

Whitsons Culinary Group•Fair Haven, VT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Substitute Food Service Worker supports school meal service by preparing, portioning, and serving meals to students and staff; setting up and cleaning serving areas and kitchen equipment; following food safety and sanitation guidelines; and helping maintain a welcoming mealtime atmosphere. The role is flexible and on-call, with days and hours aligned to the facility’s food service schedule. It is described as full-time or part-time, non-exempt work, primarily based at a site, with occasional travel to other locations for substitute coverage or support. Occasional extended hours may be required for special events or operational needs. The position requires completion of Whitsons and government-mandated training. Prior professional food service experience and ServSafe certification are preferred but not required. Workers are expected to follow safety, sanitation, production, and portion standards; maintain accurate logs and documentation; work cooperatively with the kitchen team; and serve guests professionally. Work takes place primarily in a kitchen and food service production environment. The job involves standing for most of the workday, frequent walking, use of hands and fingers to handle food, tools, and equipment, reaching, and lifting or moving up to 50 pounds. Workers may be exposed to hot and cold temperatures and regularly move in and out of storerooms and near freezers. Noise levels can be moderate to loud during meal service.

Requirements

Complete all Whitsons and government-mandated training as required.
Ability to speak and read English sufficiently to understand and perform assignments, follow recipes, and comply with safety requirements.
Positive attitude and willingness to help; dependability and attention to cleanliness.
Ability to take direction and follow food safety rules.
Ability to work effectively as part of a food service team in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Arrive on time, follow schedules and break rotations, and maintain proper dress and hygiene standards.
Ability to stand for most of the workday; frequently walk, talk, and 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.
Close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Minimum 1 year of professional food service experience is preferred but not required.
ServSafe certification is preferred but not required.
Enjoyment of being around children and school staff.

Responsibilities

Prepare, portion, and serve meals to students and staff.
Set up and clean serving areas and kitchen equipment.
Follow food safety, sanitation, and applicable regulatory standards.
Maintain accurate logs and documentation and comply with Whitsons policies.
Complete assigned preparation, service, and sanitation tasks accurately and on time.
Follow portion and production standards to support consistent, high-quality meal service.
Monitor temperatures and maintain stations that are stocked, clean, and properly maintained.
Work cooperatively with the Chef Manager, Lead Cook, and fellow food service workers.
Serve guests in a friendly and professional manner and maintain a welcoming, clean station.
Follow assigned schedules and break rotations and maintain proper dress and hygiene standards.
Travel occasionally to other locations for substitute coverage or support, if required.