Nutrition Services Helper - Lister ES

Tacoma Public Schools (WA); United States; On-site; USD 37,195,000 - 38,573,000; Part time

Job summary

Tacoma Public Schools is seeking a part-time food service helper to assist the Cook-Manager across district cafeterias. Duties include dishwashing, basic food prep, and serving meals to students and staff. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30am–1:45pm, with an expected start date of October 26, 2026 or sooner.

The role emphasizes safety, sanitation, teamwork, and reliability. A Food and Beverage Handler’s permit is required; a WA driver’s license is preferred.

Qualifications

• Food service work experience desirable; substitute-helper level.
• No high school diploma or GED required; incentives offered to obtain diploma or GED.
• Knowledge of safety and sanitation rules and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operates dishwashing equipment; wipes down tables and service areas; cleans kitchen equipment; cleans sink, drain board and food preparation areas.
• Assists in routine food preparation activities.
• Serves food items to students and staff as assigned.
• Maintains neat and clean work environment; cleans and stores equipment and tools when job has been completed.
• Follows good safety and sanitation procedures.

Skills

Safety knowledge

Sanitation procedures

English usage

Customer service

Arithmetic

Teamwork

Attendance reliability

Education

No high school diploma required

Job description

Tacoma Public Schools

Expected Start Date: October 26, 2026 or sooner

FTE:0.5938

Hours per day:4.75

Salary Level: FS/OA/2, $21.89hr

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 1:45pm

Benefits: This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools

This position performs general kitchen duties assigned by the Cook-Manager (or Satellite-Cashier in a satellite school) such as service in the cafeteria, food preparation, or clean-up duties.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• 1. Operates dishwashing equipment; wipes down tables and service areas; cleans kitchen equipment; cleans sink, drain board and food preparation areas.
• 2. Assists in routine food preparation activities.
• 3. Serves food items to students and staff as assigned.
• 4. Maintains neat and clean work environment; cleans and stores equipment and tools when job has been completed.
• 5. Follows good safety and sanitation procedures.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

• 1. Performs related duties as assigned.

CONDITIONS

May be exposed to infectious diseases; experiences frequent interruptions; required to operate kitchen equipment; may be exposed to general cleaning chemicals; experiences high noise levels; may work in freezer and/or refrigeration units for extended periods of time; may be required to shift tasks and priorities; required to stand and walk for prolonged periods; required to perform repetitive tasks; required to assume positions, perform movements and demonstrate stamina and exertions needed to prepare meals and clean up; may be required to travel to District sites or other sites within the community.

Education and Experience

Food service work experience desirable; current and successful demonstration in working on the substitute-helper level; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work. No high school diploma or GED required. District offering incentives to obtain diploma or GED.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of safety and sanitation rules and procedures.
• Knowledge of English usage including spelling and reading.
• Skill in logical thinking.
• Skill in operating commercial kitchen equipment.
• Skill in quality customer service.
• Skill in communication.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic.
• Ability to learn operating procedures for institutional-sized kitchen work.
• Ability to follow instructions and accept constructive criticism.
• Ability to consistently lift/move up to 20 pounds, occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds and occasionally team lift/move up to 50 pounds in accordance with established guidelines and using proper safety precautions.
• Ability to obtain, clarify and exchange information
• Ability to concentrate on tasks at hand.
• Ability to work as a part of a team.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to maintain neat appearance and good personal hygiene.
• Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable and regular attendance.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socio-economic setting.

Licenses/Special Requirements

• Current Food and Beverage Handler’s permit.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license with access to personal transportation.
• Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.