Nutrition Services Substitute

Tacoma Public Schools; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Tacoma Public Schools is seeking an on-call Food Service Assistant to perform general kitchen duties in the cafeteria, including serving, food prep, and cleanup. This role operates across district sites with variable hours and an hourly wage of $20.80.

A HS diploma or equivalent is preferred, along with a current Food and Beverage Handler’s permit. The position emphasizes sanitation, teamwork, and reliable attendance in a busy school kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of safety and sanitation rules applicable to a school cafeteria.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and maintain clean work areas.
• Capacity to operate basic commercial kitchen equipment safely.
• Ability to work with students and staff in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Operates dishwashing equipment, wipes tables and service areas, and cleans kitchen spaces.
• Assists in routine food preparation activities and serves food to students and staff.
• Maintains neat work areas and follows sanitation procedures.
• Performs related duties as assigned and supports kitchen staff as needed.

Skills

Safety rules

English usage

Logical thinking

Kitchen equipment

Customer service

Communication

Arithmetic

Learn procedures

Follow instructions

Teamwork

Organization

Hygiene

Attendance

Diversity relations

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Tacoma Public Schools

Expected Start Date: September 1, 2026

FTE: 0.01

Hours per day: Varies

Salary Level: SUB/FS/1, $20.80hr

This on-call 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; HS diploma or equivalent, preferred; any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work preferred.

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.