Food Service Assistant I

Los Alamitos Unified School District; California (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Los Alamitos Unified School District is seeking a part-time Food Service Assistant I to support elementary and staff meals, including food preparation, serving, and basic cashiering at school sites.

Under supervision, the role covers setting up serving areas, maintaining sanitation, and assisting with daily inventory and meals delivery to classrooms as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED or Certificate of Completion.
• Some experience prep and serving quantity food.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the set up of serving areas including trays, utensils, food and beverages.
• Serve food to students and staff according to established procedures.
• Assist in quantity food preparation for all sites, including panning, wrapping, cooking and monitoring temperatures.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Food safety awareness

Teamwork

Cashier handling

Basic math

Food service knowledge

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Point-of-sale system

Job description

Vacancy is part-time, 18.75hpw with the following schedule: 9:30am - 1:45pm M - F

Tentative Written Exam: Thursday, October 8, 2026

Tentative Oral Panel Interview: Tuesday, October 13, 2026

BASIC FUNCTION

Under direct supervision of the Food Service Supervisor, Food Service Production Supervisor or designee, assists in quantity food preparation at an assigned site. Performs routine duties to serve lunches and clean kitchen equipment, utensils, work and serving areas.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Food Service Assistant I classification differs from other classes in the Food Service Assistant series in that it is the entry-level position which is typically assigned to prepare, heat, and serve meals to elementary school students and staff. The Food Service Assistant III classification is the advanced level position in the series. Food Service Assistant III also performs duties which are more complex and diverse with minimal supervision. Incumbents typically are responsible for an entire work station at a middle school or high school which includes setting up equipment, assembling food items, preparing and/or cooking foods, assisting with daily inventory of the amount of food prepared, served, and left over.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Participate in the set up of serving areas; including but not limited to trays, utensils, food and beverages.
• Serve food to students and staff according to established procedures.
• Assist in quantity food preparation, for all sites, of hot and cold foods, including panning, wrapping, cooking and monitoring for proper temperatures for service to students and staff.
• Maintain work areas and serving areas in a sanitary manner. Assist in counting leftover and/or inventory items as assigned for monitoring and reporting. Stock and maintain assembly lines as necessary.
• May receive money from students and deposit in point-of-sale computer; may assist with related lunch count, money reconciliation and inventory control.
• Attend and participate in a variety of trainings and in-services as needed.
• Deliver meals to other programs and classrooms.
• Provide site coverage when needed.
• Perform other job-related duties as required or assigned.

KNOWLEDGES AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Health and safety regulations
• Standard kitchen equipment
• Basic food preparation methods including washing, cutting and assembling food items
• Basic math and cashiering skills
• Oral and written communication skills

Ability to:

• Understand and follow oral and written directions
• Operate and maintain basic food service equipment
• Work effectively under rush conditions
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Follow instructions and procedures as directed from lead personnel
• Utilize proper methods of food preparation, rotation and storage
• Operate computerized point of sale system
• Apply safety and sanitation techniques Learn laws, rules, policies, practices and procedures related to public education and specific to Los Alamitos Unified School District
• Work effectively within a team, coordinating with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners to complete tasks, achieve goals, and resolve issues in a collaborative and efficient manner. Demonstrate a commitment to Los Alamitos Unified School District's mission, vision, and priority goals.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: High School Diploma, GED or Certificate of Completion and some experience prepping and serving quantity food.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

A valid Food Handler's Certificate is preferred.