Kitchen Assistant

Seattle Public Schools; Washington; On-site; USD 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle Public Schools is seeking a Food Service Assistant to support the Central Kitchen under supervision. You will assist in preparing, packaging, and distributing nutritious meals following district procedures, with potential assignment to school locations during emergencies.

The role involves operating and cleaning kitchen equipment, adhering to HACCP, performing routine tasks on the tray line, and supporting training programs.

Qualifications

• Must have valid WA Food Handler's Permit.
• Experience in school lunch programs is a plus.
• Ability to follow standardized recipes and portioning standards.
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced central kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation, packaging, and distribution of nutritious food items per procedures.
• Help with cleaning and maintenance of kitchen equipment; report malfunctions.
• Complete daily tasks in food prep areas as assigned.
• May work at school locations as needed.
• Follow HACCP procedures and maintain records.
• Participate in on-the-job training and support central kitchen operations.
• Support district nutrition services goals and participate in annual safety training.

Skills

Teamwork

Basic Math

Food Safety

Food Prep Techniques

Communication

Computer Basics

Job description

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

• 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;troubleshootsequipment 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 andassists 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


• 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:

Knowledge of:

• 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 communicationorally 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 foroperating/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