Cafeteria Worker/Department Float (60 hours biweekly)

Reading Public Schools; Reading (MA); On-site; USD 2,701,000 - 3,144,000; Part time

Job summary

Reading Public Schools is seeking a part-time Cafeteria Worker to support meals across multiple school sites, starting immediately. You will assist in preparation, serving, and cleanup, and help maintain safety and sanitation standards in a dynamic food service environment.

The role requires flexibility, reliable teamwork, and a willingness to travel between district schools to cover shifts and support busy periods.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in a cafeteria, restaurant, or food service setting preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately.
• Friendly and customer-service-oriented attitude.
• Certified, or ability to become certified, as ServSafe Manager

Responsibilities

• Willingness to travel to various schools within the district to provide support wherever needed, including covering for absent staff, assisting during busy periods, or filling in gaps in staffing.
• Assist Cafeteria Manager and work closely with other cafeteria staff and managers to ensure a seamless food service operation. Assist in other areas as needed, such as cashiering, dishwashing, and inventory management.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary cafeteria environment, including cleaning tables, sweeping, mopping, and washing dishes
• Monitor food temperatures and quality to ensure safety and freshness
• Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines as outlined by the school and local health authorities
• Replenish food and supplies as needed
• Assist in inventory management and restocking of cafeteria items
• Collaborate with the cafeteria team to ensure efficient and smooth meal service
• Provide excellent customer service to students and staff
• Perform other related duties as assigned
• Ability to quickly adapt to different school environments, kitchen setups, and work schedules, demonstrating the ability to handle varying tasks and responsibilities.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Cafeteria Worker/Department Float (60 hours biweekly)

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This job is also posted in Reading Public Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5892854
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Aug 19, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Reading Public Schools is a vibrant and inclusive educational institution dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for our students. We believe that a well-balanced and nutritious meal is essential for a child's overall well-being and academic success. As part of our commitment to student health and well-being, we are seeking a dedicated School Cafeteria Worker to join our team.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dependable School Cafeteria Worker to assist in the preparation, serving, and cleanup of meals for our students. The ideal candidate should be passionate about providing nutritious and delicious meals to children, maintain a clean and organized cafeteria, and adhere to all safety and sanitation guidelines.

Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and flexible Cafeteria Worker to join our K-12 school district as a Permanent Floater/Substitute. The successful candidate will support various school cafeterias within the district, stepping in wherever needed to ensure smooth operations and the delivery of nutritious meals to our students. This role requires a self-starter who is adaptable, reliable, and committed to maintaining high standards of food safety and service.

Key Responsibilities

• Willingness to travel to various schools within the district to provide support wherever needed, including covering for absent staff, assisting during busy periods, or filling in gaps in staffing.
• Assist Cafeteria Manager and work closely with other cafeteria staff and managers to ensure a seamless food service operation. Assist in other areas as needed, such as cashiering, dishwashing, and inventory management.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary cafeteria environment, including cleaning tables, sweeping, mopping, and washing dishes
• Monitor food temperatures and quality to ensure safety and freshness
• Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines as outlined by the school and local health authorities
• Replenish food and supplies as needed
• Assist in inventory management and restocking of cafeteria items
• Collaborate with the cafeteria team to ensure efficient and smooth meal service
• Provide excellent customer service to students and staff
• Perform other related duties as assigned
• Ability to quickly adapt to different school environments, kitchen setups, and work schedules, demonstrating the ability to handle varying tasks and responsibilities.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience in a cafeteria, restaurant, or food service setting preferred
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately
• Friendly and customer-service-oriented attitude

Certification:

Certified, or ability to become certified, as ServSafe Manager

Working Conditions:

• Frequent standing and movement with regular bending and twisting of neck and trunk, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and/or crouching
• Continuous use of hand strength for grasping tools
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of objects up to 50 pounds
• Occasional exposure to temperatures above 100 degrees
• Occasional work on slippery surfaces
• Meeting deadlines with severe time constraints.
• Interacting with students, vendors, and staff members.
• Frequent loud noise requiring raised voices for communication.
• Elevated risk of minor injuries such as cuts or burns.

EEO Statement

Reading Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and students. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Position: Cafeteria Worker

Department: Food Services

Reports to: Food Services Director

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Union: Reading Cafeteria Employees / AFSCME Council 93, Local 1703

Pre-Employment Screening: CORI, Criminal, Physical

Position Type: Part-Time
Salary: $19.61 to $22.82 Please see our Salary Schedule (readingma.gov)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Reading Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Catherine Franzetti , Food Service Director
• Reading Public Schools
• Email: [e-mail]

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