Lunch Assistant

Ottawa Area ISD; Allendale Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Ottawa Area ISD is seeking a Lunch Assistant to support the daily lunch program. The role involves meal preparation, setup, serving, and cleanup in a school kitchen, with emphasis on safety and fresh, properly served meals.

The position is part-time (4 hours per day, 185 days/year) and requires reliability, attention to detail, and ability to work with students aged 3–26, including those with special needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; food service experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to work with students ages 3–26 and follow district procedures.
• Knowledge of state/federal food safety guidelines and safe handling.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, portion, and set up meals according to menus and procedures.
• Serve meals ensuring proper temperatures and sanitation.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary kitchen and assist with cleanup.
• Collaborate with staff to support students, including those with special needs.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Attention to detail

Cleanliness/organization

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Reliability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Lunch Assistant

Ottawa Area ISD Ottawa Area Center - Allendale, Michigan Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Ottawa Area ISD

Job Details

Job ID: 5893999

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Aug 18, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

Lunch Assistant

Department / Program: Ottawa Area Center Reports To: Ottawa Area Center Director Employment Status: Part-Time - 4 hours per day, 185 days per year FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Lunch Assistant supports the daily operation of the school lunch program by assisting with meal preparation, set-up, serving, and clean-up. This position is responsible for preparing and handling food in accordance with established menus, school procedures, and applicable state and federal food safety and sanitation guidelines. The Lunch Assistant will help ensure meals are prepared and served in a timely, safe, and organized manner to meet the needs of students. The individual in this role will maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen and food service area by completing routine cleaning and sanitation duties, including cleaning equipment, work surfaces, utensils, and serving areas. The Lunch Assistant will work collaboratively with school and food service staff and is expected to demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for students with special needs.

Essential Job Functions

• Meal Preparation and Set-Up: Prepare, portion, organize, and set up meals and food items for students in accordance with established menus and food service procedures.
• Food Service and Safety: Serve meals to students while following all state and federal food safety, sanitation, and food handling requirements, including proper food temperatures and safe handling practices.
• Kitchen Cleaning and Sanitation: Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, work surfaces, utensils, serving areas, and other assigned areas to maintain a safe, sanitary, and organized food service environment.
• Adaptability & Problem Solving: Assists students and staff as needed while encouraging and modeling positive, inclusive, and appropriate behavior.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Ability to work effectively with students ages 3-26
• Ability to follow district procedures and expectations
• High School Diploma or GED. Previous experience in food service/dietary management or closely related area preferred, but not required

Required Skills & Abilities

• Food handling & safety knowledge : Following state/federal food safety, sanitation, and temperature-control requirements.
• Attention to detail : Accurate portioning, following established menus and procedures.
• Cleanliness/organization : Maintaining sanitized equipment, surfaces, and serving areas.
• Interpersonal/behavioral skills : Working effectively with students ages 3-26, many with special needs; modeling positive, inclusive behavior.
• Teamwork : Collaborating with school and food service staff.
• Reliability : Consistent attendance and dependability, given the structured meal-service schedule.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, and lift up to 50 lbs with or without mechanical assistance.
• Work is performed in a school kitchen and cafeteria environment.

Compensation & Employment Details

• Compensation: $18.22 to $20.25 per hour commensurate with experience
• Schedule: Part-time schedule of 4 hours per day with a full-year calendar of 185 days.

Notices

Job Description Changes: Job descriptions may be subject to change based on the OAISD's needs. This is meant to describe a basic overview of qualifications, role, and duties. It is not an exhaustive or fully comprehensive list as other duties may be assigned.

Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment.

Civil Rights Coordinators are located at OAISD, 13663 Port Sheldon St. Holland, MI 49424 to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and grievance procedures. Telephone [phone] Ext: 4091.

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• OAISD Human Resources Department
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]