Food Preparation Worker 5 hour

Hopkins-Public-Schools; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 23,901 - 34,040; Part time

Job summary

Hopkins Public Schools is hiring a Food Preparation Worker in Rapid City, South Dakota, to serve meals and support nutritional needs of students. This position involves a variety of responsibilities, including preparing recipes, serving meals, and maintaining food safety practices. Ideal candidates will have a High School Diploma, organizational skills, and some experience in food service.

Compensation is $21.03 per hour for 5 hours a day across 166 days, with additional benefits outlined in the position handbook.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Work experience in school food service or related food service operation desired.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare simple recipes.
• Peel and cut fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Prepare fresh condiments and dressings.
• Serve school-aged children nourishing meals made from scratch.
• Wash dishes and other food service tasks.

Skills

Food preparation skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Knowledge of safety and sanitation practices

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Work experience in school food service

Tools

Food Safety and Sanitation Certification

Job description

At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive E‑12 district serving approximately 7,200 students across the City of Hopkins and surrounding communities. Our district represents a rich mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; we value and celebrate that diversity in everything we do. As an academically rigorous and human‑centered district, we are committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. There is no "typical" Hopkins student, and we embrace this truth as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and equity in learning.

We seek educators and staff who are equity‑minded, culturally responsive, and deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive.

We welcome candidates who are passionate about dismantling systemic barriers, advancing justice, and preparing students to become bold, collaborative, and compassionate global citizens. When you join Hopkins Public Schools, you are not just joining a district, you are becoming part of a community that honors difference, nurtures potential, and inspires remarkable achievement in every learner, from birth through graduation.

You are welcome at Hopkins. You belong at Hopkins.

SUMMARY

Food Preparation Workers in Hopkins provide top‑notch meals created from high‑quality, fresh ingredients. Days include variety and fast‑paced action related to general food production in a high‑volume kitchen; preparing recipes, serving meals, cashiering and clean up — you also get to build genuine and authentic connections with students. At Hopkins, we believe introducing children to a variety of foods early in life will broaden their taste palettes, allowing them to develop a healthier diet. The Food Preparation Worker will assist with the receiving, storage, preparation and serving of all foods on our menus, which include a wide variety of meats, nuts, legumes; a wide variety of fresh fruits & vegetables; breads & grains, and dairy products. Be a part of a team that coaches kids to be adventurous & curious eaters!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all‑inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job‑related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job‑related knowledge and skills.

• Prepare simple recipes
• Peel and cut fresh fruits and vegetables
• Prepare fresh condiments & dressings
• Knowledge of safety and sanitation practices for food preparation, distribution and storage
• Serve school‑aged children nourishing meals made from scratch
• Wash dishes and other food service tasks
• Assist with special diet accommodations

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Work experience in school food service or related food service operation desired.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Driver's License.
• Food Safety and Sanitation Certification (preferred).

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in a commercial food service and kitchen work environment; moderate physical requirements, with risk of burns and cuts; frequent lifting, carrying, and moving up to 40‑pound containers of food preparation materials and equipment; may require working in a walk‑in freezer.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a commercial food service and kitchen work environment.

Hours & Compensation

Class 2, Step‑1: $21.03 per hour.

5 hours/day, 25 hours/Week position, for 166 days total.

Position specific Benefits information is available.

Union Contracts, Position Handbook/Agreements are located.