At St. Rose, we believe that “we are always learning.” Our belief is inspired by the great artist Michelangelo, who at the dawn of his very accomplished life, wrote that he believed he still had so much more to learn. At the heart of our core values is the belief that every member of our community is a learner and no matter how young or old you are, or how much education you might have, we all have much more to learn. Learning allows our minds and souls to be set free to discover what is true, beautiful, and good in the world. This is the essence of an excellent Catholic education and as we are reminded by St. John Paul II, “this transmits a comprehensive vision of life…that liberates students in the most profound meaning of human freedom,” (Address to US Bishops May 30, 1998). 

Our Cafeteria Worker is responsible for the daily preparation, cooking, and service of nutritious, appealing, and high-quality meals for students at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy. This position oversees day-to-day kitchen operations, including meal preparation, food storage, kitchen organization, sanitation, and cleaning.

Our Cafeteria Worker ensures breakfast, snacks, and lunch are prepared and served in a timely, safe, and welcoming environment while following established menus, recipes, food safety standards, and applicable USDA meal requirements. Our Cafeteria Worker works collaboratively with the Cafeteria Administrative Coordinator and school administration to ensure the effective operation of the school food service program.

Applications will be accepted until November 16 or until the position is filled

This position ends at the end of the school year and does not work during the summer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Food Preparation and Meal Service

• Prepare and cook daily breakfast, snack, and lunch for students according to established menus and recipes.
• Ensure meals are nutritious, appealing, appropriately portioned, and prepared in accordance with USDA meal pattern requirements.
• Follow established recipes, serving sizes, and meal production guidelines.
• Prepare meals in a timely manner to ensure food is ready for scheduled meal service.
• Monitor food quality, taste, temperature, and presentation.
• Accommodate documented student dietary restrictions and food allergies in accordance with school procedures.
• Maintain appropriate food storage, labeling, rotation, and handling practices.
• Coordinate meal preparation and service to ensure students receive meals efficiently and safely.
• Communicate food supply needs, menu concerns, and anticipated shortages to the appropriate administrative personnel.

Kitchen Operations and Inventory

• Maintain an organized, clean, and efficient kitchen environment.
• Monitor food and supply levels and communicate ordering needs to the Cafeteria Administrative Coordinator.
• Assist with receiving and properly storing food and supply deliveries.
• Practice appropriate inventory rotation, including first-in, first-out (FIFO) procedures.
• Minimize food waste and use supplies responsibly.
• Report equipment malfunctions, maintenance needs, and safety concerns to school administration.
• Follow established menus and communicate any necessary substitutions or changes in advance.

Cleaning, Sanitation, and Food Safety

• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, countertops, food preparation areas, utensils, and serving spaces.
• Ensure all kitchen and cafeteria work areas are cleaned and properly maintained following meal service.
• Wash dishes, cooking equipment, and food service materials.
• Follow proper food handling, storage, and temperature-control procedures.
• Maintain daily food safety practices, including required temperature checks and sanitation procedures.
• Follow established Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures.
• Ensure trash, recycling, and food waste are properly disposed of.
• Maintain compliance with local health department requirements and established school sanitation procedures.
• Participate in required food safety training and inspections.

Collaboration and School Culture

• Work collaboratively with the Cafeteria Administrative Coordinator to ensure menus, meal production records, and food service documentation are accurate.
• Communicate professionally with students, staff, and school administration.
• Help foster a welcoming, respectful, and positive cafeteria environment.
• Support school expectations for student behavior and appropriate meal service routines.
• Contribute to a collaborative school culture that supports the mission and values of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy.

Qualifications

• Experience in food preparation, cooking, or institutional food service.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling procedures.
• Ability to prepare meals in a high-volume food service environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow established menus, recipes, and food preparation guidelines.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with school personnel.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to supporting the mission and values of Catholic education.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Culinary training or food service certification preferred.
• Previous experience in school food service, commercial kitchens, or institutional food preparation preferred.
• Experience preparing meals for children or large groups is beneficial.

Certifications and Licenses

• ServSafe Food Handler or equivalent food safety certification required, or ability      to obtain within a designated timeframe.
• Additional food safety or food service certifications preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry food supplies, kitchen equipment, and materials.
• Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks.
• Ability to work in a kitchen environment with varying temperatures.
• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Coverage
• Two medical options to choose from, all covering preventive care at 100%
• Teladoc Services: Provides access 24 hours, seven days a week to U.S. Board-certified doctors
• Paid Time Off
• Retirement Plan