Kitchen Assistant (Positions Available for the 2026-2027 School Year)

Douglas County School District; Castle Rock (CO); On-site; USD 23,956 - 30,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Voluntary 401(k), 403(b), and 457 retirement plans

Paid sick and personal time

Job summary

Douglas County School District is hiring a Kitchen Assistant for the 2026-2027 School Year. Responsibilities include preparing and serving meals while adhering to health and sanitation standards. The role involves frequent physical activity and requires strong communication skills.

The position offers 40 hours per week at an hourly rate ranging from $17.39 to $22.14, with potential for growth based on experience.

This job also includes eligibility for voluntary retirement plans and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to support positive outcomes.
• Maintains a generally positive attitude and observes all District policies and procedures.
• Verbal and written communication skills in English with the ability to comprehend instructions.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the proper setup and cleanup of serving areas.
• Serve meals daily while complying with food regulations.
• Communicates effectively in both written and verbal form.

Skills

Effective oral and written communication skills

Strong organizational and time management skills

Ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders

Education

High School or Equivalent

Job description

Kitchen Assistant (Positions Available for the 2026-2027 School Year)

Job Description

Responsible for providing assistance in the daily preparation of the school lunch program. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community members and school clientele.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, reaching, lifting (including occasional overhead lifting), bending, kneeling, stooping, squatting, climbing, pushing, twisting, and pulling items weighing 40 lbs or less. Standing or walking 95% of the work day
• Occasional climbing and balancing using step stool
• Repetitive motions including lifting, keypad entry, chopping, filling and sealing packaging. Make fast repeated movements of fingers, hands and wrists.
• Use both hands to grasp, grip, move or operate objects or equipment

Responsibilities

Assist in the proper set up and cleanup of serving areas for timely service to students, including dishwashing and proper sanitation of work stations. Follows and understands all HACCP standards. Uses all kitchen equipment properly. Cleans equipment properly and follows all safety precautions.

Serve meals daily while complying with all school food regulations and ensure health department sanitation standards. This includes ensuring the proper cooking and serving temperatures of foods are taken and recorded as required by HACCP standards.

Independently follows menu and recipe instructions. Must produce and understand the regulations regarding preparation, proper food temperatures, appearance and portion sizes.

Assists in unloading and proper storage of delivered food items.

Learn and Operate Point of Sale system and reconcile monies daily to ensure accuracy.

Pursue opportunities to create positive relationships with the surrounding community, including other Nutrition Services staff, school staff, students and parents. Must have a focus on customer service. Must be pleasant, cooperative and able to work with a wide variety of people. Flexibility in learning new concepts, cooperates with others, and adapts to a variety of assignments and conditions.

Communicates effectively in both written and verbal form, including electronic mail and computers. Maintains confidentiality of all student information.

Participate in training to include PGI Classes. May lead training for other kitchen staff members. Must annually complete all USDA Mandatory Professional Standards training hours, as required by position category. Actively pursues upcoming regulatory changes and provides sustainable solutions.

Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Willing to travel to multiple schools based on the needs of sites, if requested. Flexibility in work schedule to meet the demands of the kitchen sites.

Assist in the preparation, service, and sale of meals ensuring compliance with department regulations. Preparation of meals can include washing, cleaning, peeling, cutting and chopping fresh fruits, vegetables and meat items. Must follow standard recipe, proper portion sizes and verbal instructions.

Certifications

Education: High School or Equivalent

Skills

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to support positive outcomes, Effective oral and written communication skills, Maintains a generally positive attitude, Observes all District policies and procedures, Strong organizational and time management skills, Verbal and written communication skills in English and a demonstrated ability to read and comprehend written/graphic and oral instructions

Position Type

Regular

Primary Location

West Building E - Nutrition Services and Security

Scheduled Hours Per Week

40

Fte

1.00

Approx Scheduled Days Per Year

• (260 days indicates a year-round position. Time off [or Off-Track Days] are then granted based on the position. Any exceptions to the normal off-track time will be noted in the Additional Position Details section above, as scheduled work days.)

Minimum Hire Rate

$17.39 USD Hourly

Maximum Hire Rate

$22.14 USD Hourly

Full Salary Range

$17.39 USD - $26.89 USD Hourly

• All salary amounts listed above are based on a full-time (1.0) FTE. If applicable, part‑time salaries will be prorated according to the assigned FTE.

Benefits

This position is eligible for voluntary 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plans.

Time Off Plans

This position is eligible for paid sick and personal time.