Kitchen Assistant

Seattle Public Schools; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Seattle Public Schools is seeking an hourly kitchen assistant to support the Central Kitchen team. You will help prepare, package and distribute nutritious meals following district procedures, ensuring quality, eye appeal, and cost targets.

You may substitute at a school location, assist in cleaning and maintaining equipment, and participate in HACCP training to uphold safety standards. Strong teamwork and basic math skills are important for this role.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of food preparation techniques and procedures.
• Understanding of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to perform basic math calculations for portions.
• Familiarity with HACCP concepts and records.
• Capable of teamwork and clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation, packaging and distribution of meals according to recipes and standards.
• Help operate and maintain kitchen equipment; report malfunctions promptly.
• Perform daily tasks in food prep areas and assist during tray line distribution.
• Participate in on‑the‑job training and food safety programs.

Skills

Food preparation

Sanitation

Basic Math

Teamwork

English communication

Job description

Overview of Position

This position's responsibility, under the direction of the Central Kitchen Lead or designee, is to assist in the preparation/distribution of nutritious and wholesome food items following District procedures and standards; may be required to substitute in school location on an emergency basis.

Essential Functions

• Assists in the preparation, packaging and distribution of nutritious and wholesome food items that are of high quality, have eye appeal and meet cost parameters following standardized procedures and in accordance with established work schedules; follows recipes, production sheets, portioning standards; uses appropriate equipment.
• Assists in cleaning, maintaining and troubleshooting kitchen equipment; troubleshoots equipment issues immediately to minimize and avoid downtime and/or repair; reports malfunctions immediately to supervisor.
• Completes daily work activities in assigned food preparation areas, tray line or dispersion in time allocated under direction of Lead or designee.
• May be assigned to work in school location when needed.
• Complies with all food safety and sanitation procedures; understands HACCP procedures and assists in maintaining HACCP records.
• Rotates and assists unit employees in food preparation, tray line and dispersion tasks; participates in on-the-job training to maintain the operation of the central kitchen.
• Promotes SPS and Nutrition Services Department Vision, Mission and Goals
• Participates in food safety and sanitation training yearly

Other Functions

• Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Works under general supervision of the Central Kitchen Lead or designee.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Required to shift tasks and priorities; required to stand and walk for prolonged periods; performs repetitive tasks; experience frequent interruptions; required to think logically and creatively; requires mental concentration; requires flexibility and adaptability; requires effective decision-making and problem solving; requires individual initiative and teamwork; required to communicate clearly with diverse audiences; required to operate commercial kitchen equipment; requires mechanical aptitude to master operation of complex equipment; required to lift objects weighing up to 25 pounds in accordance with established guidelines; required to assume positions, perform movements, and demonstrate stamina and exertions needed to prepare meals. May be exposed to general cleaning chemicals. May work in freezer and/or refrigeration units for extended periods of time.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Food preparation techniques and procedures
• Food Safety and Sanitation
• Basic Math
• Modern methods of food preparation, including recipe adjustment
• Acceptable product standards, including quality and sanitation aspects
• Basic math
• Basic computer operation

Skill In

• Use English communication orally and in writing
• Team work

Ability To

• Do simple mathematical calculations
• Follow instructions and use fundamentals of food preparation techniques and procedures following approved safety and sanitation requirements
• Learn Federal, State and Local requirements for the National School Lunch Programs
• Operate all types of commercial kitchen equipment, including a mechanical aptitude for operating/adjusting complex equipment
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with a variety of employees
• Work under supervision

LICENSES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Food Handler's Permit

Must possess a valid WA Food Handler's Permit

Seattle Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Click HERE for an overview of available benefit options.

Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours employees are anticipated to work during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Any employee who is scheduled to work 630 hours or more in a year is eligible for benefits.

Hourly staff accrue sick leave at the rate of 1:40 per the Washington Paid Sick Leave law; eligible for health benefits after 630 hours under conditions of the School Employees Benefits Board through the state of Washington.

Salary Schedule

Please find the salary schedule associated with this role and others like it HERE.

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Please select the preferred area(s) you would like to work:

• Northeast Region
• Northwest Region
• Southeast Region
• Southwest Region
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