Substitute Food Serving Assistant

Applitrack; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Applitrack seeks a Substitute Food Serving Assistant to support delivery of school meals. Location is All District Schools with 174–181 contracted days per year. You will assist in food preparation and serving, operate kitchen equipment, and help maintain a clean, sanitary cafeteria environment.

Role requires a High School diploma or equivalent and a valid Food Handler Card; criminal history check is required. Bilingual ability is a plus; starting hourly pay ranges based on experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Valid Food Handler Card is required.
• Criminal history check must be completed as required by law.
• Bilingual in Spanish or other high-need language is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in food preparation and serving at cafeteria counter.
• Ensure compliance with National School Lunch and Breakfast programs.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and maintain sanitary conditions.
• Assist with money handling and point-of-sale tasks as needed.
• Maintain punctual attendance and assist student workers on serving line.

Skills

Food preparation

Sanitation

Counting & math

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Valid Food Handler Card

Job description

• Position Type: Substitute/ Food Serving Assistant


• Date Posted: 8/24/2026

Substitute Food Serving Assistant

Location: All District Schools

Reports to: Building Principal or designee

Range: 7

Contract Days: 174-181 days per year

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Position Summary

Perform a variety of manual tasks in the preparation and serving of food; clean kitchen equipment and areas; and complete related tasks as required by supervisor or designee.

Hourly Rate of Pay - Range 7 Step C-J $17.71-$24.90 Depending on Experience

Essential Functions

• Assists in the preparation of food portions and prepares cafeteria counter. Adheres to federal and state laws governing the National School Lunch and National School Breakfast programs.


• Serves students and staff from the cafeteria counter.


• Operate commercial kitchen equipment and appliances, including dishwasher, in a safe manner.


• Determine that reimbursable lunch requirements are met and assist in taking daily counts and records such information as required by the Nutrition Services Supervisor.


• Participate in maintenance of proper sanitary conditions, including cleaning utensils, dishes, equipment and facilities, and proper storage of food. Maintain kitchen and serving area in clean, orderly fashion.


• Assist, when needed, with collecting money and making change, and operation of food service computer.


• Assist student workers on serving line.


• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.


• Perform other related duties as needed and designated by Nutrition Services Supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to skillfully assist in food preparation, work rapidly and with frequent interruptions; count, add, subtract, and tally series of numbers; make change quickly and accurately.


• Ability to follow recipes and other instructions.


• Ability to exercise some independent judgment while adhering to prescribed policies and procedures and perform the essential functions of the position with minimal supervision.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships and work in partnership with supervisors, other staff, students, and the general public.


• Ability to work effectively, interact, and respond to people with diverse cultures, backgrounds, and languages.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.


• Ability to follow district policies and procedures at all times.


• Knowledge of kitchen equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.


• Valid Food Handlers Card.


• Successful completion of criminal history records check, as required by law.

Preferred Qualifications

• Paid or volunteer experience in serving and preparation of large quantities of food.


• Bilingual in Spanish or other high need language as designated by the District.

Postings current as of 10/8/2026 11:00:08 PM CST.