Food Service Assistant III

Los Alamitos Unified School District; California; On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Los Alamitos Unified School District is seeking a Part-Time Food Service Assistant III to assemble, prepare, cook and serve items for an assigned station in a K-12 environment. You will maintain daily records of foods prepared and money received.

The role requires knowledge of safety and sanitation, ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and experience with cash handling and a POS system. A valid Food Handler's Certificate is preferred; some high school required and two years of related experience.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in quantity food preparation and service.
• Equivalent to some high school education.
• Food Handler Certificate preferred.
• Ability to count money and handle cash.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve food for an assigned workstation.
• Maintain daily records of foods prepared and sold.
• Receive cash and make change; operate POS.
• Ensure sanitary handling and storage of food.
• Set up serving areas and monitor stock.

Skills

Food safety

Cash handling

Communication

Sanitation

Record-keeping

Education

High school + 2 years food service

Food Handler's Certificate (preferred)

Tools

POS system

Job description

**Vacancy is Part-Time, 18.75 hours per week**

Tentative Written Exam:11/6/2026

Tentative Oral Panel Interview: 11/10/2026

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of the Food Service Supervisor or designee, assemble, prepare, cook and serve food items for an assigned work station in a high school, middle school, or elementary school; maintain daily records of items sold and money received.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Food Service Assistant III classification differs from other classes in the Food Service Assistant series in that the Food Service Assistant class is the advanced level class in the series. Incumbents are responsible for a specific work station and duties include assembling, preparing, cooking and serving food items; assist with daily inventory of amount of food prepared, receiving cash, recording amounts sold and running related reports. The Food Service Assistant III classification performs duties which require a higher level of independent accountability and perform duties that are more complex and diverse. The Food Service Assistant I class is the entry-level position of the Food Service Assistant series. Incumbents typically require additional supervision for daily activities.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

1. Prepare and serve appropriate quantities of food for an assigned workstation in a timely manner, assuring quality and quantity of foods prepared.
2. Maintain daily records of foods prepared and sold and count items remaining; submit records to supervisor.
3. Assemble and prepare a variety of food items such as entrees, fruits and vegetables; make salads, prepare fruit cups, etc.
4. Prepare a variety of scratch type items such as, but not limited to, salad dressings and sauces. Activities may include opening cans and other food containers, mixing and assembling food items as well as washing, cutting, measuring, scooping, and mixing food items.
5. Set up work and serving areas; assure that serving lines are properly stocked with adequate food, beverages and supplies. Set up, display and maintain attractive point of sale merchandise.
6. Receive money from students and deposit into point-of-sale computer; make change; assist supervisor in counting and reconciling money at the end of the day; assume responsibility for cash balances; may act as supervisor when supervisor is absent. Generate related reports in the back-office system as needed.
7. Maintain work areas and serving areas in a sanitary manner; wash sanitize and clean and store utensils, trays and kitchen equipment; sweep floors, using proper cleaning and sanitizing methods for food services facility.
8. Store unused food items according to appropriate standards to assure health and sanitation standards are followed in accordance with local health department standards. Conduct inventory counts or process daily pick lists when needed.
9. Operate a variety of kitchen utensils, equipment and appliances in a safe manner.
10. Attend and participate in a variety of trainings and in-services as needed.
11. Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

KNOWLEDGES AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Health and safety regulations
• Oral and written communication skills
• Methods of assembling, preparing and cooking food in large quantities
• Principles and practices of safety and sanitation
• Standard kitchen utensils, equipment and appliances
• Simple record-keeping techniques
• Basic math and cashiering skills

Ability to:

• Assemble, prepare, cook and serve a variety of food items in large quantities in a sanitary manner
• Maintain records of assigned work station operation
• Operate kitchen utensils, equipment and appliances in a safe manner
• Operate and maintain basic food service equipment
• Follow applicable health and sanitation requirements
• Lift and transport objects weighing up to 50 pounds using proper lifting techniques
• Make change and arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately
• Work efficiently during rush conditions
• Work cooperatively with others maintaining interpersonal skill of tact, patience, and courtesy
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Understand and follow oral and written directions
• Follow instructions and procedures as directed from lead personnel
• Utilize proper methods of food preparation, rotation and storage
• Operate computerized point of sale system
• Post simple records
• Apply safety and sanitation techniques
• Learn laws, rules, policies, practices and procedures related to public education and specific to Los Alamitos Unified School District
• Commit to Los Alamitos Unified School District's mission, vision and priority goals

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: some high school and two years of experience in quantity food preparation and service.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

A valid Food Handler's Certificate is preferred.