Terms of Employment:  All student scheduled days for the school year, minimum $16.50/hour.

Benefits: The Van Meter Community School District offers a comprehensive benefits package, including IPERS. Employees with proof of existing health insurance can choose to receive a monthly cash stipend in lieu of insurance. Employees receive 15 days of sick leave and 2 personal days each year.

BASIC FUNCTION: Aide in preparing, cooking and serving a variety of foods in quantity at an assigned school site; assist in other food preparation duties as directed; maintain facilities in a clean and sanitary condition.

HOURS:
Monday - Friday, 8am- 2pm

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

• Assist in preparing and cooking meat dishes, vegetables and other main dishes; prepare salads, sandwiches, fruit, soups, sauces and other foods.
• Maintain food quality standards including appearance, and nutritional requirements.
• Monitor temperatures of food to assure safety and quality standards are met; monitor water temperatures to assure proper temperature for sanitizing.
• Serve food according to established guidelines and replenish serving containers as needed; serve and sell lunch items to faculty.
• Clean cafeteria equipment, utensils and appliances and store food supplies; assure compliance with kitchen sanitation and safety procedures and regulations; clean refrigerators and storerooms as required.
• Assist in storing unused food and supplies; dispose of unusable leftovers; utilize proper methods of handling foods to be stored.
• Operate a variety of standard kitchen utensils and equipment including mixer, steamer, dishwasher, electric warmer, range, oven, cash register and other cafeteria equipment as required.
• Records amounts of food sold and money collected as assigned; assist with inventory and maintain routine records as directed.
• Assist in stocking and ordering of a la carte items as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and methods of quantity food service preparation, serving and storage.
• Sanitation and safety practices related to handling, cooking, baking and serving food.
• Methods of preparing and serving food in large quantities.
• Methods of adjusting and extending recipes and proper substitutions.
• Proper methods and/or storing equipment, materials and supplies.
• Standard kitchen equipment, utensils and measurements.
• Health and safety regulations.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.

ABILITY TO:

• Prepare and serve food in accordance with health and sanitation regulations.
• Operate a computer terminal as required
• Operate and maintain standard machines and equipment found in school cafeterias and kitchens.
• Assist in preparing attractive, appetizing and nutritious meals for students and staff.
• Follow, adjust and extend recipes as needed.
• Follow instructions and respond to supervisor direction and take responsibility for own actions.
• Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality when dealing with student, staff and/or parent information.
• Meet challenges with resourcefulness and generate suggestions for improving work.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Read and write at a level required for successful job performance.
• Maintain routine records.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Observe health and safety regulations.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds by self on a regular basis.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• One year experience in school food service preferred.
• Successful completion of criminal background investigation.
• ServSafe Certified, or be able to complete within 6 months of hire.