Food Service Specialist

Encompass; Carnation (WA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) & Employer Match

Sick Leave/EAP/Wellness Program

Bonus paid week off between winter hol

Job summary

Encompass Carnation Preschool in Carnation, WA, is seeking a Part-Time Food Service Specialist to lead all food service planning, preparation, and delivery for our early learning program. Expect meals that support healthy development and joyful experiences for young children in a play-based setting.

This role emphasizes collaboration with teaching staff to reflect diverse preferences and ensure safety, nutrition, and positive eating habits.

Qualifications

• Experience in food service (professional or volunteer).

Responsibilities

• Meal Planning & Nutrition: Design nutritious meals aligned with guidelines.

Skills

Food service experience

Team collaboration

Health and safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Food Handler’s Permit

Background check & health screenings

CPR/First Aid

Early learning safety trainings

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Carnation ECEAP Preschool - Carnation, WA 98014, Position Type: Part Time, Salary Range: $21.00 - $28.74 Hourly, FOOD SERVICE SPECIALIST

Hourly $21.00 - $28.74 DOE

Encompass Carnation Preschool location

20 hours per week, 39 weeks per year

School Year-Based Program

Applicants must live in the greater Seattle area.

Benefits

• 401(k) & Employer Match
• Sick Leave/EAP/Wellness Program
• Bonus paid week off between winter holidays

About the Role

The Food Service Specialist plays a vital role in the daily success, growth, and well-being of young children in our early learning programs. More than preparing meals, this role helps fuel curiosity, connection, and learning in a play-based preschool environment.

You will be part of a warm, collaborative community where mealtimes are an extension of the classroom—supporting social development, independence, and positive relationships with food. Your work directly contributes to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging space where children can thrive.

SCOPE

The Food Service Specialist leads all food service planning, preparation, and delivery for early learning programs, ensuring that every meal supports healthy development, joyful experiences, and the unique needs of each child.

Key Responsibilities

• Meal Planning & Nutrition (10%)
  • Design nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack menus aligned with USDA and CACFP guidelines
  • Create monthly menus for multiple sites and share with teaching teams
  • Collaborate with classroom staff to ensure meals reflect children's preferences and cultural inclusivity
  • Adapt menus to meet individual dietary needs, including allergies and lifestyle preferences
  • Source fresh, seasonal foods while maintaining cost effectiveness
  • Ensure all food preparation meets strict health, safety, and sanitation standards
• Kitchen Operations (10%)
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming kitchen aligned with licensing and health requirements
  • Uphold best practices in food handling, sanitation, and storage
  • Conduct deep cleaning and maintain organized food preparation spaces
• Documentation & Compliance (10%)
  • Maintain accurate production records for all meals served
  • Track participation and ensure compliance with program requirements
  • Keep dietary accommodation records current and accessible
  • Upload required documentation to program databases
• Meal Experience & Delivery (70%)
  • Prepare and present meals in a way that is appealing, developmentally appropriate, and inviting for young children
  • Deliver meals to classrooms to support family-style dining, a key part of the play-based learning model
  • Partner with educators to ensure mealtimes foster independence, social skills, and positive eating habits
  • Collect, clean, and sanitize dishes and maintain adequate inventory of kitchen supplies

Qualifications

• Experience in food service (professional or volunteer)
• Passion for supporting children's health and development
• Ability to collaborate in a team-centered, child-focused environment

Required Certifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Food Handler’s Permit
• Background check and required health screenings
• CPR/First Aid (within 45 days)
• Completion of early learning and safety trainings as required

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs
• Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 8 hours/day)

Why This Role Matters

• Build healthy relationships with food
• Practice independence and social skills
• Feel safe, cared for, and ready to learn

The information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees in this job.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

Encompass is a private nonprofit serving the Snoqualmie Valley and Issaquah communities for over 50 years. Our mission is to partner with families to build healthy foundations for children. We believe what happens early in life matters. We offer high quality, leading edge early childhood educational and therapeutic services to all children in our communities.

Encompass is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on gender, marital status, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or the presence of a non job related medical condition or handicap.