• Assist with preparing, cooking, portioning, and serving meals and food items according to established guidelines.
• Support the preparation of meals for students with dietary restrictions, food allergies, and other identified nutritional needs.
• Set up and work serving lines and assist with timely meal service.
• Maintain clean and sanitary food preparation, service, and storage areas.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, appliances, utensils, dishes, work surfaces, and related food service items.
• Follow established food safety, sanitation, hygiene, temperature-control, and infection-control procedures.
• Properly store, label, rotate, and replenish food and supplies.
• Assist with receiving, stocking, and maintaining inventory.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and report equipment concerns to the Food Service Coordinator.
• Assist with food preparation, setup, service, and cleanup for school-sponsored special events and activities, as needed.
• Participate in required departmental meetings, training, and continuing education.
• Work cooperatively with the Food Service Coordinator and other food service team members to support efficient daily kitchen operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous food service, institutional kitchen, cafeteria, restaurant, or commercial cooking experience preferred.
• Current Food Service Sanitation Certificate preferred.
• Knowledge of basic food safety, sanitation, and temperature-control practices.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to learn new tasks quickly and adapt to daily food service needs.
• Ability to safely operate and clean food preparation equipment.
• Experience supporting individuals with special dietary needs preferred.
• Must successfully complete applicable NJDOE criminal history requirements.

COMPENSATION, SCHEDULE & BENEFITS

This position requires considerable physical activity, including frequent standing and walking and regular bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and handling food service equipment and supplies. Must be able to lift and handle items weighing up to 50 pounds. The kitchen environment may include exposure to heat, cold, odors, noise, and other conditions typical of food service operations. Employees are required to wear closed-toe, slip-resistant footwear while working in food service areas.