Cafeteria Worker

Lauderdale-County-Schools; Ripley (TN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Lauderdale County Schools in Ripley, TN is seeking a cafeteria worker to prepare and serve meals, following planned menus and maintaining portion control. You will ensure safety, sanitation, and quality in all food production activities.

The role requires operating kitchen equipment, keeping a clean storage area, recording daily prep, and collaborating with staff. A minimum of two years related experience is required, with background checks completed as a condition of employment.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years job related experience required.
• Ability to understand written and verbal food preparation and safety instructions.
• Working knowledge of kitchen equipment and food production procedures.
• Ability to perform basic math.

Responsibilities

• Prepare quality food according to a planned menu of tested and uniform recipes.
• Serve food according to meal schedules, board policies and administrative procedures, and promote portion control and proper use of leftovers.
• Store and handle food items and supplies safely and maintain a clean and organized storage area.
• Operate tools and equipment according to prescribed safety standards and maintain high standards of cleanliness, health, and safety.
• Keep garbage collection containers and areas neat and sanitary.
• Correct unsafe conditions in the work area and report them to supervisor.
• Maintain daily food preparation records.
• Promote teamwork and interaction with fellow staff members.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Skills

Safety procedures

Kitchen equipment operation

Food preparation

Math proficiency

Tools

Large and small kitchen tools

Job description

Reports to: Cafeteria Manager

Date Revised: 06/08/2026

Primary Purpose:

Work under moderate supervision to prepare and serve appropriate quantities of food to meet menu requirements. Maintain high standards of quality in food production, sanitation, and safety practices.

Qualifications:

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to understand written and verbal food preparation and safety instructions
• Working knowledge of kitchen equipment and food production procedures
• Ability to operate large and small kitchen equipment and tools
• Ability to perform basic math

Experience:

• Two (2) years job related experience required

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Food Preparation and Serving

1. Prepare quality food according to a planned menu of tested and uniform recipes.
2. Serve food according to meal schedules, board policies and administrative procedures, and practice and promote portion control and proper use of leftovers.
3. Store and handle food items and supplies safely and according to established procedures. Maintain a clean and organized storage area.

Safety and Sanitation

1. Operate tools and equipment according to prescribed safety standards and follow established procedures to meet high standards of cleanliness, health, and safety.
2. Keep garbage collection containers and areas neat and sanitary.
3. Correct unsafe conditions in work area and promptly report any conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor.
4. Maintain personal appearance and hygiene.

Other

1. Handle and record cashier functions accurately.
2. Help record food requisitions and order necessary supplies.
3. Maintain daily food preparation records.
4. Promote teamwork and interaction with fellow staff members.
5. Complete annual continuing education requirements.
6. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard large and small kitchen equipment and tools including electric slicer, mixer, pressure steamer, deep-fat fryer, sharp cutting tools, stove, oven, dishwasher, and food/utility cart
• Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stoop, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Continual walking; frequent climbing (ladder), grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, reaching/overhead reaching
• Lifting: Frequent moderate lifting and carrying (15–44 pounds)
• Environment: Work inside in commercial kitchen environment; exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, extreme humidity, noise, vibration, microwaves, biological hazards (bacteria, mold, fungi), chemical hazards (fumes, vapors, gases), electrical hazards; work with hands in water; work around machinery with moving parts; work on slippery surfaces
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Candidates must successfully pass a background check. Please note that any job offer extended will be contingent upon the results of both TBI and DCS background checks.The $39 fee is the applicant's responsibility and is non-refundable, payable upon the fingerprinting appointment.