School Cafeteria Nutrition Services Assistant

Manitou Springs School District; Manitou Springs (CO); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Manitou Springs School District 14 is seeking a Nutrition Services Assistant to support daily kitchen operations, food preparation, and meal service for students and staff. You will adhere to nutrition guidelines and safety standards, assist with portioning, serving, and cash handling, and help maintain a clean, organized serving area.

The role requires teamwork in a fast-paced school cafeteria, with a focus on friendly, customer-oriented service and compliance with dietary restrictions when

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Completion of food safety certification preferred (may be required after hiring).
• Experience in food preparation or customer service is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact positively with students, staff, and coworkers.
• Basic math skills for measuring ingredients, portioning meals, and operating the point-of-sale system.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and cooking of food items following standardized recipes and menus.
• Ensure that food is prepared and served in compliance with federal, state, and district regulations for nutrition and food safety.
• Help with portioning and packaging meals for students, including special dietary needs when applicable.
• Serve meals to students and staff in a friendly, efficient manner, adhering to portion sizes and meal requirements.
• Operate the point-of-sale system, accurately recording student meals and managing payment transactions.
• Maintain an organized and clean serving area, replenishing food supplies as necessary during meal service.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, counters, tables, and other workspaces before and after meal preparation and service.
• Wash dishes, utensils, trays, and other kitchen items using proper sanitation methods.
• Assist in the proper storage and disposal of leftover food items, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Assist with receiving, unpacking, and storing food and supplies delivered to the kitchen.
• Help monitor inventory levels and report any shortages or damaged items to the Nutrition Services Manager.
• Follow proper procedures for food storage, including labeling and rotating inventory according to first-in, first-out (FIFO) principles.
• Adhere to district, state, and federal health and safety guidelines, including proper food handling, sanitation, and temperature control.
• Participate in required training sessions to stay updated on food safety practices and district procedures.
• Ensure all food is served at the correct temperature and follows USDA nutritional guidelines for school meals.
• Provide friendly and helpful service to students, staff, and other customers, creating a welcoming environment in the cafeteria.
• Address any student questions or concerns regarding meal options, including those related to dietary restrictions or allergies.
• Support a positive cafeteria experience by fostering respectful interactions with students and coworkers.
• Assist in preparing the kitchen for the opening of the school year and summer break.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Food safety

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Basic math

District vehicle certification

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS system

Job description

Manitou Springs School District 14 is seeking a Nutrition Services Assistant to support daily kitchen operations, food preparation, and meal service for students and staff. You will adhere to nutrition guidelines and safety standards, assist with portioning, serving, and cash handling, and help maintain a clean, organized serving area.

The role requires teamwork in a fast-paced school cafeteria, with a focus on friendly, customer-oriented service and compliance with dietary restrictions when