School Cafeteria Worker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the bustling world of education, the role of school cafeteria workers is more significant than ever.

As students’ nutritional needs evolve, so does the demand for dedicated individuals who can manage, prepare, and distribute nourishing meals within our educational institutions.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a school cafeteria worker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the vital role of cafeteria workers in schools,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a flexible school cafeteria worker job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

School Cafeteria Worker Duties and Responsibilities

School Cafeteria Workers play an essential role in the preparation and serving of meals within a school setting.

They also perform tasks related to cleanliness and maintenance of the cafeteria.

School Cafeteria Workers are primarily responsible for directly assisting in the meal preparation and serving process, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Preparation of meals according to the menu
• Serving meals to students and staff
• Keeping track of food inventory and notifying supervisors when supplies are low
• Maintaining clean and safe kitchen and dining areas
• Ensuring food storage and preparation areas meet health and safety standards
• Operating kitchen appliances such as ovens, stoves, and grills
• Assisting in the setup and cleanup of dining areas
• Collecting payment for meals, if necessary
• Providing exceptional customer service to students, staff, and visitors

 

School Cafeteria Worker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a diligent, caring and efficient School Cafeteria Worker to help ensure our students receive nutritious and well-prepared meals.

In this role, you will be responsible for preparing and serving meals, maintaining cleanliness in the food service area, and providing excellent customer service to students and staff.

The ideal candidate has experience in a food service setting, is committed to maintaining health and safety standards, and has a passion for providing students with a positive cafeteria experience.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals in accordance with planned menus
• Ensure all meals are nutritious, appetizing, and correctly portioned
• Perform cleaning and sanitizing duties in the kitchen and cafeteria area
• Assist with inventory management and food storage
• Maintain compliance with all health and safety regulations
• Operate cash register, handle money, and give correct change as needed
• Assist with meal planning and ordering supplies
• Provide excellent customer service to students, staff, and visitors
• Participate in necessary training and professional development

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in food service or a related role
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• Ability to follow recipes and menus
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift heavy objects
• Food Handler’s certificate or ability to obtain one

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: School Cafeteria Worker
• Work Environment: School cafeteria. This role involves physical labor, including lifting heavy items and standing for long periods.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Cafeteria Manager or School Principal.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $20,000 minimum to $30,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time or part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a School Cafeteria Worker Do?

School Cafeteria Workers typically work in schools, either public or private, serving meals to students, teachers, and other staff members.

Their primary responsibility is to prepare and serve nutritious and hygienic meals to students and staff.

They follow a set menu provided by the school and ensure that the food is prepared according to safety and health regulations.

School Cafeteria Workers also monitor students during meal times, ensuring that all students behave appropriately and adhere to mealtime procedures.

They may also assist students who have difficulty carrying their trays or need help with food selection.

In addition to food preparation and service, School Cafeteria Workers are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the kitchen area, utensils, and dining area to maintain a clean and safe environment.

They may also be involved in the inventory management of food and kitchen supplies, ordering new stock as required.

Some Cafeteria Workers may have the additional responsibility of managing cash registers, collecting payments for meals, and providing change where necessary.

Overall, a School Cafeteria Worker plays a vital role in promoting health and nutrition within the school environment.

 

School Cafeteria Worker Qualifications and Skills

A competent school cafeteria worker should have the skills and qualifications necessary for the role, such as:

• Food preparation skills for creating nutritious, balanced meals in large quantities.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and sanitary practices to maintain a clean, safe environment.
• Time management skills to efficiently prepare meals and serve students within a limited time frame.
• Interpersonal skills to interact positively with students, teachers, and other staff members.
• Customer service skills to address questions and concerns from students and staff in a courteous and professional manner.
• Physical stamina to stand for extended periods, carry heavy trays, and perform repetitive tasks.
• Basic math skills for handling cash transactions and keeping accurate records.
• Knowledge of dietary restrictions and food allergies to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

 

School Cafeteria Worker Experience Requirements

School Cafeteria Workers are generally required to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Some previous experience in food preparation or service may be preferred but is not always necessary as many schools provide on-the-job training.

For entry-level roles, candidates may have up to 1 year of experience working in a kitchen or cafeteria setting.

This could be through part-time work, internships, or volunteering at a local food bank or soup kitchen.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience often gain their knowledge and skills through roles such as Food Server, Kitchen Assistant, or Cook in schools, hospitals, or other institutions.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the industry may be ready to take on responsibilities such as managing food orders, overseeing kitchen operations, or training new staff members.

In addition to these, some schools may require cafeteria workers to obtain food handler’s certificates or other similar credentials.

 

School Cafeteria Worker Education and Training Requirements

A School Cafeteria Worker is typically required to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent education.

On-the-job training is often provided to learn about the specific procedures and protocols of the cafeteria, including food handling safety, equipment operation, and sanitation procedures.

Knowledge in basic food preparation and cooking skills is advantageous.

Some school districts might also require previous experience in a food service setting, but this is not always the case.

In many states, school cafeteria workers are required to have a food handler’s permit or certification.

This entails completing a short training course and passing a test on food safety and sanitation.

Further professional development courses in nutrition, food preparation, and culinary arts can be beneficial for advancement within the field.

Although not mandatory, having first aid and CPR certification may be advantageous as school cafeteria workers interact with children on a daily basis.

Familiarity with dietary restrictions, allergies, and different food service styles is also beneficial in this role.

 

School Cafeteria Worker Salary Expectations

A School Cafeteria Worker earns an average wage of $11.74 (USD) per hour.

The actual earnings may fluctuate based on years of experience, the location of the school, and the specific school district that employs them.

 

School Cafeteria Worker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a School Cafeteria Worker need?

School Cafeteria Workers need to have strong customer service skills as they will be interacting with students and staff daily.

They should also have basic math skills for managing cash registers and counting change.

Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards is crucial.

They should also be physically capable of standing for long periods and lifting heavy items.

 

Do School Cafeteria Workers need a degree?

A degree is not typically required for a School Cafeteria Worker position.

However, some schools may require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Training in food safety, health and hygiene, or a related field can be beneficial.

Some positions may also require a food handler’s permit.

 

What should you look for in a School Cafeteria Worker resume?

Look for experience in food service or customer service roles, as these will indicate that the candidate has the necessary skills for the job.

Also, check for any certifications or training in food safety and sanitation.

A candidate who has experience working with children or in a school setting can be considered a plus.

 

What qualities make a good School Cafeteria Worker?

A good School Cafeteria Worker is patient, friendly, and has excellent customer service skills.

They should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and able to handle multiple tasks at once.

Attention to detail is important for maintaining food safety and hygiene standards.

Lastly, they should be comfortable interacting with children of various ages.

 

What are the daily duties of a School Cafeteria Worker?

A School Cafeteria Worker is typically responsible for preparing meals, serving food to students and staff, and cleaning up after meal periods.

They may also be responsible for stocking food and beverage items, maintaining inventory, and handling cash transactions.

In some cases, they might assist in planning and preparing special meals for events or dietary needs.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a sneak peek into the life of a school cafeteria worker.

Guess what?

It’s not just about serving meals.

It’s about fostering a healthy and positive school environment, one tray at a time.

With our reliable school cafeteria worker job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up to the plate.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting detailed job listings or perfecting your resume to the letter.

Remember:

Every meal served is part of a larger mission.

Let’s nourish that future. Together.

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