Child Nutrition Services Worker

Salary: $17.79 - $22.67 HourlyLocation : Various locations in La Mesa-Spring Valley, CAJob Type: Regular Part TimeJob Number: 2526-10Department: Child NutritionOpening Date: 08/11/2025Closing Date: 8/29/2025 4:30 PM Pacific Job Summary & Examination Date 2526-10 (Dual-Merged)This recruitment is to establish an eligibility list for the position of Child Nutrition Services Worker in order to fill current and future vacancies. The eligibility list will be valid for 6 months or until exhausted (whichever comes first). Vacancies typically range from 3-4 hours per day, 206 working days per year.Under the direction of the Director, Child Nutrition Services, prepares and serves food items using both convenience and scratch cooking methods to students and school personnel at an assigned school site; maintains food service facilities in a safe and sanitary condition. APPLICATION PROCEDURE:A completed application for employment must be received in Personnel Commission by 4:30 p.m. on the closing date. Please note: If having issues with Internet Explorer, try Firefox. Faxed materials are not acceptable.The examination process may include one or more of the following: scoring of application and resume, written examination, scoring of supplemental questions, performance and/or technical oral examination.Written Merit Exam: TBAAll testing will take place at La Mesa - Spring Valley School District's Education Service Center, 4750 Date Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 (Phone: 619-668-5700) unless notified otherwise. Test starts promptly at the scheduled time. Latecomers will not be admitted. Candidates will be required to present valid photo identification prior to sign-in. Examples of DutiesESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND TASKS:The following alphabetical list of functions, duties, and tasks is typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform other closely related or department-specific functions, duties, and tasks from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.Assists in preparing meals using both convenience and scratch cooking methods incorporating fresh, whole ingredients; assists with ingredient preparation and cooking; follow instructions from recipes, ensuring consistency in taste and presentation.Assists in the preparation and service of food items to students and school personnel at an assigned school site; prepares fruits and vegetables; assembles various ingredients as assigned; heats, packages, and wraps food items according to established procedures and portion control standards; serves meals on serving lines; sets out prepared foods. Assists with inventory of food, condiments and supplies to ensure items are available for projected menu requirements; inspects food items and supplies to verify quantities, quality and specifications of orders and ensures orders comply with mandated health standards. Assists with performing the functions of other nutritional services positions as needed. Checks and ensures proper temperatures according to established procedures; records kitchen and food-related data including food temperatures, milk and food counts; assists with recording inventory information as assigned; maintains routine records and reports related to assigned duties. Collects payments for meals and ensures appropriate payments are collected at the time of purchase; assists with balancing cash drawer at the end of the day as assigned; ensures reconciliation between meal counts and payments according to established procedures. Communicates with internal and external contacts as assigned to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns. Maintains food service equipment and utensils in a clean and sanitary condition; operates dishwashers and washes serving equipment; sweeps and cleans floors as assigned to assure a safe and sanitary work environment; maintains equipment and storage, cafeteria, food preparation and serving areas in a sanitary condition in compliance with current health standards.Operates standard food service equipment including, but not limited to slicers, ovens, steam tables, dishwashers, can openers, food carts, and warmers; operates a computer and assigned software as required; reports equipment malfunctions to appropriate personnel. Plans and prepares food items and beverages for the onsite and offsite school kitchens as assigned, including for the subsequent days' menu. Prepares salads and packaged foods for distribution; mixes, slices, grates, and chops food items; opens cans; replenishes containers as necessary. Stocks condiments, food items, and related supplies as assigned; assists in the storage and rotation of supplies in storage areas; unloads food, materials, and supplies from delivery trucks as assigned. Supports the District's recycling program for organic waste and food recovery.OTHER DUTIES:Attends and participates in meetings, in-service training, workshops, and conferences.Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit and the District, including various mandatory District training. Minimum QualificationsJOB QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:(At time of application and in addition to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed above.)EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:Any combination equivalent to: six months of professional experience in the preparation, cooking, and serving of food, experience with scratch cooking preferred. LICENSE(S) REQUIRED:Valid and appropriate Food Handler CardIncumbents are required to adhere to the annual minimum required training hours for school nutrition staff per the USDA Guide to Professional Standards for School Nutritional ProgramsCERTIFICATIONS AND TESTING REQUIRED:Pass the District's applicable proficiency exam for the job class with a satisfactory scoreAfter offer of employment, obtain: Criminal Justice and FBI Fingerprint ClearanceNegative TB test result plus periodic post-employment retest as required (currently every four years)Pre-employment physical exam through District's provider at District's expense Knowledge, Skills and Abilities(At time of application)Knowledge of:Basic cooking techniquesBasic math and cashiering skillsBasic record-keeping techniques Health and safety regulationsInterpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesyOral and written communication skillsQuantity food preparation, including washing, cutting, and assembling food items and ingredientsSafe workplace practices including proper lifting techniques Sanitation and safety practices related to preparing, handling, and serving foodStandard kitchen equipment and utensilsSkills and Abilities to:Communicate in both oral and written formEstablish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with othersFollow health and sanitation requirementsLearn and perform scratch cooking techniquesMaintain food service facilities, equipment, and utensils in a clean and sanitary condition Maintain routine recordsMeet schedules and timelinesOperate a cash register and make change accuratelyOperate standard kitchen equipment safely and efficientlyPrepare and assemble food items and ingredientsPrepare and serve hot and cold menu items to students and staff at an assigned school siteUnderstand and follow oral and written directionsWORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:(Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations)Exposure to cleaning chemicals and fumesExposure to very hot foods, equipment, and metal objectsFood service (may not be climate controlled) environmentSubject to heat from food service equipment and cold from walk-in refrigerators and freezersWorking around knives, slicers, or other sharp objectsBending at the waist, kneeling, or crouchingDexterity of hands and fingers to operate food service equipmentHearing and speaking to exchange informationLifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling moderately heavy objects as assigned by positionReaching overhead, above shoulders, and horizontallySeeing to monitor food quality and quantityStanding for extended periods of timeThe District provides excellent benefits for permanent employees who work 20 or more hours per week, including:*Substitute positions do not qualify for District covered benefits* 1. Medical: Choice of VEBA (Kaiser or United Health Care)2. Dental: Delta Dental or Delta Care HMO (District-paid for employee only)3. Life: Life ($50,000) and Accidental Death & Dismemberment ($50,000). Also includes MEDEX Travel Assistance (for medical care situations 100 miles from home or international trips up to 90 days; with some exclusions)4. Vacation: (10+); Sick (9.50+ days per year) - vacation/sick accumulation days increase with years of service5. Employee Assistance Program: (at no cost to employee): through San Diego County EAP6. VEBA Optum Health: Employee assistance program * Note: Benefits are subject to change.Voluntary Plans:-Dependent life insurance coverage-Disability plans through American Fidelity-Vision: VSP Vision Care $10.20/monthly paid by employee-403(b) Retirement-MetLaw prepaid legal through Hyatt Legal PlansIn addition:- Bargaining unit eligible employees may elect to become a CSEA member.- Employees working 20 hours per week or more are enrolled into the CalPERS retirement system.01 The La Mesa-Spring Valley School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Board Policy 4030 prohibits unlawful discrimination and/or harassment of district employees and job applicants based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital or parental status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Board Policy 4119.11 prohibits sexual harassment of district employees and job applicants. Complaints alleging unlawful discrimination or sexual harassment may be filed with the Coordinator for Nondiscrimination in Employment, the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the recruitment process for disabled persons. Advance notice is required. Call 619-668-5700 Ext. 6412 for arrangements. Have you read the above anti-discriminatory statement? Yes No 02 A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Make sure your application details your education and work experience. Did you complete the application? Yes No 03 Completion of the following supplemental questions is required. Do not reference application or resume in lieu of completion. Do you understand this requirement? Yes No 04 Do you possess six months of professional experience in the preparation, cooking, and serving of food? Yes No 05 Please detail your professional experience in the preparation, cooking, and serving of food. Include type of organization and time spent at each position. 06 Do you possess professional work experience in scratch cooking? Yes No 07 Please detail your professional work experience in scratch cooking. Include type of organization and time spent at each position. Required Question