Food Service Assistant - Satellite Cafeteria

Los Alamitos Unified School District; California; On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Los Alamitos Unified School District is seeking a part-time Food Service Assistant for a satellite cafeteria. The role requires operating the satellite kitchen, handling meals and cash, and coordinating with central kitchen staff to ensure smooth daily service.

The incumbent will monitor inventory, maintain sanitation standards, and assist with payroll and attendance records as needed, while supporting a safe, efficient school dining operation.

Qualifications

• Operate a satellite cafeteria according to established procedures.
• Maintain health and sanitation standards in all work areas.
• Handle cash and POS transactions accurately and securely.
• Monitor inventory, and place orders as needed.
• Coordinate with central kitchen and site staff to ensure timely food service.

Responsibilities

• Assure the timely and efficient operation of a satellite cafeteria.
• Operate a computerized point of sale system and input meal data.
• Maintain daily production and transport records.
• Compile payroll records and monitor staff attendance.

Skills

Food safety

Cash handling

Inventory management

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

POSITION INFORMATION:

32.5 hours per week, 9.5 months per year.

Tentative Written Exam

11/19/2026

Tentative Oral Panel Interview

11/30/2026

BASIC FUNCTION

Under general direction of the Director of Food Services or designee, organize and participate in the preparation and serving of hot and cold menu items received from the Central Kitchen; maintain school cafeteria in a clean and sanitary manner and prepare reports as directed. Order, receive and store food and supplies, train staff under direct guidelines.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Food Service Assistant-Satellite Cafeteria classification differs from other classes in the Food Service Assistant classifications in that incumbents operate a single service line kitchen in an elementary school under the direction of the Director of Food Services or designee.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Assure the timely and efficient operation of a satellite cafeteria; receive foods and supplies from the central kitchen assuring amount received coincides with daily meal count.
• Operate a computerized point of sale system; input student prepaid account information, check student eligibility status; review credit availability and prepare notifications on status of prepaid meal account. Input and transmit daily meal counts and related sales data. Prepare bank deposits; secure daily monies for transport to the Food Service Office.
• Maintain daily production and transport records.
• Compile payroll records for assigned site staff, assure completion and submission of time sheets, monitor absences and assure confidentiality of payroll information.
• Prepare daily or weekly inventory of supplies; order items as needed.; Complete the preparation of foods received from the central kitchen by heating and assembling entrée items such as heat and serve items, hot sandwiches, etc. and tossed salads.
• Set up serving area; assure that serving lines are properly stocked; set out food and beverages observing appropriate health and sanitation rules.
• Serve food to students and staff according to established procedures.
• Maintain work areas and serving areas in a sanitary manner; clean and store utensils, trays and kitchen equipment;
• Provide work direction and guidance to Food Service Assistant I personnel and others.
• Operate a variety of kitchen utensils, equipment and appliances in a safe manner.
• Pick up food and supplies from Central Kitchen as required.
• Communicate with administrators, personnel and parents to coordinate activities, resolve issues and conflicts and exchange information.
• Attend a variety of meetings and in-services training.
• Perform other job-related duties as required or assigned.

KNOWLEDGES AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Methods of assembling, preparing and heating food in large quantities
• Principles and practices of safety and sanitation related to a food service facility Health and safety regulations
• Laws, codes, rules and regulations related to assigned activities
• Basic computer skills
• Basic math and cashiering skills
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
• Proper methods of food rotation and storage
• Standard kitchen utensils, equipment and appliances
• Inventory and record-keeping techniques

Ability to:

• Operate a satellite cafeteria according to established procedures
• Operate kitchen utensils, equipment and appliances in a safe manner
• Calculate needs and maintain inventory
• Prepare and submit records as required
• File according to established procedures
• Plan and organize work
• Work independently with little direction
• Provide work direction and guidance to others
• Follow applicable health and sanitation requirements
• Make change and arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately
• Work efficiently during rush conditions
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Understand and follow oral and written directions
• 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 two years of experience in quantity food preparation and service.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a valid Manager ServSafe Certificate required by the local Health Department when hired.