POSITION PURPOSE: Responsible for the preparation and delivery of meals through the district’s food service program.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt; Full-Time

REPORTS TO: Food Service Director

EVALUATION: Performance of this position will be evaluated by the Food Service Director in accordance with provisions of Board policy GDN: Evaluation of Support Staff.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in food service or mass meal preparation is preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• ServSafe certified (or the willingness to obtain certification)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Embrace and work continually in support of the district mission of “Expecting Excellence… Learning for All.”
• Prepare and serve meals and snacks to students.
• Assemble and disassemble serving lines.
• Clean and sanitize cooking and serving areas.
• Follow all health and safety rules and regulations.
• Monitor food temperatures to ensure the safe serving of meals.
• Occasionally, prepare and serve meals outside of the regular school day for special events.
• Count money and make change.
• Operate basic kitchen equipment, including slicers, fryers, openers, ovens, stovetops, and dishwashers, safely and efficiently.
• Possess the physical stamina for prolonged standing, walking, bending, stooping, and lifting (often up to 40-50 lbs), with frequent use of hands for operating equipment and handling objects.
• Maintain high standards of personal hygiene to ensure a safe and sanitary food service environment, including but not limited to:
• Hand Hygiene
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Always wash your hands before handling food and after using the restroom, touching raw foods, handling money, or coming into contact with any other potential contaminants.
• Use gloves as required and change them regularly to prevent cross-contamination.
• Personal Cleanliness
• Maintain a clean and neat appearance at all times.
• Bathe daily and use deodorant to prevent body odor.
• Keep fingernails clean, trimmed, and free of nail polish or artificial nails.
• Hair Restraint
• Wear a hairnet, hat, or other approved hair covering while preparing food.
• Beards and mustaches should be neatly trimmed and covered with a beard net, if necessary.
• Proper Attire
• Wear clean and appropriate uniforms or work attire daily.
• Avoid excessive jewelry (e.g., rings, bracelets, and watches) to prevent contamination.
• Wear non-slip, closed-toe shoes for safety and sanitation.
• Illness and Reporting
• Do not report to work if experiencing symptoms of illness, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or respiratory infections.
• Notify a supervisor immediately if you feel unwell or if you are diagnosed with a contagious illness.
• Follow all health and safety regulations related to preventing foodborne illness.
• By adhering to these hygiene practices, food service staff help ensure a clean and safe dining experience for customers and maintain compliance with health department regulations.
• Other duties may be assigned.

KEY SKILLS/CHARACTERISTICS:

• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously
• Commitment
• Dependability
• Integrity and fairness
• Ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality
• Ability to communicate openly and effectively
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district and legal requirements

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  Nine (9) month employee. This is an at-will position that may be terminated by either the school district or the employee, with a two-week notice period. Wages are dependent on experience, as determined by the board-approved salary schedule. Eligible for a benefit package as established by the board of education for full-time employees.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to the position listed under “TITLE” and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or required.

The Houston R-I School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Houston R-I School District is an equal opportunity employer.