Food and Nutrition Service Assistant II

Howard County Public School System; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is seeking a Food Service Assistant II to support meal preparation and serving for students across elementary, middle, or high schools. This role may float between schools as needed, ensuring meals meet USDA guidelines and maintaining sanitary food service areas.

Required experience includes at least 6 months in food service; preferred candidates hold a high school diploma or GED and have up to one year of school cafeteria experience.

Qualifications

• 6 months of experience in food service.

Responsibilities

• Prepares main dishes, vegetables, salad-based items, sandwiches and other foods and beverages served in the cafeteria.
• Sets up hot and cold food counters for serving and properly stocks counters and carts with food, plates, utensils, and condiments.
• Serves food and beverages to students and adults.
• Identifies and serves a reimbursable meal as defined by the USDA child nutrition program as a unit to each student.
• May function as cashier, receive money, and operate cafeteria point-of-sale register.
• Maintain an accurate account of cash collected and meals served.
• Operates kitchen equipment such as mixers, slicers, grinders, ovens, stove tops, tilt-skillets, tilt kettles, warmers, and coolers.
• Cleans utensils, equipment, and the storage, food preparation, and serving areas for sanitary conditions.
• Assist in receiving and storage of all food, equipment, paper, and cleaning supplies and assisting with inventory.
• Stocks food, condiments and supplies to maintain adequate quantities and security of items.

Skills

Food service experience

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely. Job Posting End Date: 11-23-2026 Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Food and Nutrition Service Satellite Manager or other designated individual, Food and Nutrition Service Assistant II performs various duties involved with assisting with the preparation and serving of foods to students and cleaning of kitchen equipment and facilities. A person in this position may be required to work as a floater at an elementary, middle, or high school.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy. Experience: 6 months of experience in food service.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or GED.
• One (1) year of experience in food service within a PreK-12 school cafeteria.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares main dishes, vegetables, salad-based items, sandwiches and other foods and beverages served in the cafeteria.
• Sets up hot and cold food counters for serving and properly stocks counters and carts with food, plates, utensils, and condiments.
• Serves food and beverages to students and adults.
• Identifies and serves a reimbursable meal as defined by the USDA child nutrition program as a unit to each student.
• May function as cashier, receive money, and operate cafeteria point-of-sale register.
• Maintain an accurate account of cash collected and meals served.
• Operates kitchen equipment such as, but not limited to, electric mixers, slicers, grinders, ovens, stove tops, tilt-skillets, tilt kettles, warmers, and coolers.
• Cleans utensils, equipment, and the storage, food preparation, and serving areas for the purpose of maintaining sanitary conditions.
• Assist in receiving and storage of all food, equipment, paper, and cleaning supplies and assisting with inventory.
• Stocks food, condiments and supplies to maintain adequate quantities and security of items.
• Loads carts and delivers meals to classrooms as assigned.
• Uses the correct portion control techniques to meet United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements.
• Replenish and refill any diminishing qualities of menu items being served and keep condiments always filled.
• Stocks food, condiments and supplies to maintain adequate quantities and security of items.
• Inspects food items before served to verify compliance with mandated health requirements.

Employee Safety

The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job. The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of kitchen cleaning methods, serving techniques, and storage procedures.
• Introductory knowledge of safety and accident prevention techniques, especially as it pertains to food preparation, kitchen, and dining facilities.
• Working knowledge of sanitation regulations for food preparation.
• Ability to learn prescribed food preparation methods and school food service operations.
• Ability to assist with preparation of hot and cold foods and beverages.
• Ability to take and record food temperatures on time and temperature charts.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow work schedules.
• Ability to use and clean all kitchen equipment.
• Ability to serve students and adults efficiently, courteously, and rapidly.
• Ability to follow Food and Nutrition Service Policy and Procedures.
• Ability to work efficiently and harmoniously with other employees and work well with students and staff.
• Ability to remain calm under trying circumstances and work with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable in a variety of situations.
• Ability to read and understand operating manuals for equipment to be used.
• Must have dependable transportation throughout the working hours.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Working Hours

The duty day for this position is 7.0 hours per day including a thirty-minute duty-free lunch.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift bulk weights up to 55 pounds. Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, climb. Ability to stand for long periods of time and endure extreme temperatures. The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.

Training

Must meet the annual education/training requirements for the United States department of Agriculture (USDA) for School Nutrition Employees.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system. Applicants may be required to complete a skills assessment prior to or during the interview process.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation This is a 10-month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade 3 on the Food Service and Assistants salary scale. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA-ESP Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.

Retirement

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors. All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing. Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship. For questions regarding this posting, please contact [e-mail].

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [e-mail].

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

All current HCPSS candidate pools will close to new applications on November 16, 2026 as we perform annual system maintenance and refresh our pools. Updated candidate pools will open on November 30, 2026. Candidates will need to submit a new application to indicate continued interest and ensure current information is on file. Postings for specific individual vacancies will remain open and unaffected during this period. Questions may be directed to [e-mail]. We appreciate your patience and interest in employment with HCPSS.

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students! To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [e-mail].