TITLE: Cafeteria Lead

 

QUALIFICATIONS: (R) if required or (P) if preferred

• High school diploma or GED (P)
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) (P)
• Strong leadership, organizational, and time management skills (R)
• Ability to follow recipes, menus, and food production schedules (R)
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills (R)
• Proficient computer skills and knowledge of MS Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook (R)
• SERV Safe Certification (R)
• Identity Verified Prints Clearance Card (R)  
• CPR/First Aid Certification (R)

*Such alternatives to the above as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.  

 

REPORTS TO: Cafeteria Manager

 

JOB GOAL: The Cafeteria Lead coordinates the daily preparation, cooking, and serving of nutritious meals for elementary students while ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and district nutrition standards. The Cafeteria Lead guides kitchen operations, upholds food safety and sanitation protocols, and monitors cafeteria staff to ensure efficient, timely, and safe meal service. This role also collaborates with the Cafeteria Manager and Cafeteria Workers to uphold school rules and ensure that both staff and students follow National School Lunch Program (NSLP) guidelines.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITES:

• Plan and manage food preparation for daily meals and special events  
• Capable of performing cooking, serving, and cashiering duties as needed to support daily operations

• Inspects food, areas, and equipment for quality, cleanliness, and temperature, coordinating maintenance as needed
• Ensure compliance with sanitation and safety regulations set by the Child Nutrition Services Office and the Arizona Department of Health
• Maintain accurate records, including inventory, orders, and reimbursements; complete all required paperwork by designated deadlines
• Train staff on opening and closing procedures, including computer use, cash handling, and end-of-day reporting in the manager’s absence
• Notify the Cafeteria Manager of any issues with food quality or condition of received items
• Performs inventory checks in accordance with the approved inventory system
• Assist the Cafeteria Manager with reports, documentation, and compliance tasks
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, standardized recipes, and meal production schedules accurately

• Strong organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet strict serving deadlines
• Capacity to maintain focus and attention to detail in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment
• Ability to solve problems quickly and adapt to changes such as food shortages, equipment malfunctions, or staffing adjustments
• Effective decision-making under pressure, particularly during peak meal service times.
• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with students, coworkers, and supervisors
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to remain calm, courteous, and professional, especially when managing multiple demands or student interactions.

• Performs other duties as assigned

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and reaching
• Ability to lift and carry food items, equipment, and supplies. Able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds
• Ability to operate commercial kitchen equipment safely
• Work in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Ability to work in a noisy, high-energy environment with large groups of children

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in a school kitchen and cafeteria used for preparing and serving meals to students.
• Exposure to heat, food odors, cleaning chemicals, and potentially slippery surfaces.
• Fast-paced environment with strict timelines during meal service

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This is a 10-month classified hourly position. Salary is based upon the Classified Hourly Placement Schedule as established by the Governing Board. Employee benefits in accordance with Board policies.  

 

EVALUATION:

This job's performance will be evaluated in accordance with Board policy on personnel evaluation.