Job Details

2025-26 School Year

Location: Gateway Elementary

8.0 scheduled hours per day; 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Work August through May when students are in session.

• OPS Nutrition Services Video
• Annual uniform allowance, and complimentary shift meals
• Hourly, Full-time position with benefits, paid bi-weekly

Reports To: Executive Director, Nutrition Services

Position Purpose: Primary responsibilities include assisting with the production coordination of the areas assigned, working closely with the manager and the production chief on forecasting food production, setting work schedules to assure task completion at designated times, assuming the role of Production Chief when needed, and providing leadership in maintaining an efficient, clean, and pleasant kitchen/serving environment. Assists in the preparation of food and service of quality meals to students and staff, the storage of food, cleaning and sanitation of equipment, rotating food stock and supplies, assisting with the dish machine and manual dishwashing, and providing superior customer service.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous food service experience, minimum of 3-5 years food preparation experience preferred.
• Must demonstrate excellent attendance and work record.
• Ability to apply basic arithmetic calculations using units of American money, weight measurements, volume, and distance.
• Knowledge of safe food handling.
• Skill in customer relations and service recovery.
• Practical working knowledge of food safety practices and procedures.
• Sensitivity and ability to interact with students, co-workers, teachers, administrators, and parents of other cultures and backgrounds.
• The skills pertinent to positive human relationships and the ability to work effectively with all staff, students, parents, administrators, and the community.
• Excellent organization skills demonstrated, and the ability to handle multiple projects with strong attention to detail.
• Knowledge of OPS's mission, purpose, goals, and the role of every employee in achieving each of them.
• Assist with the cleanliness and sanitation of all large and small equipment, serving utensils, and all areas of the kitchen.
• Assist with the completion of daily tasks in a timely manner.
• Willingness to travel to other schools when requested.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Makes complex plans, schedules, and decisions independently.
• Inspects and monitors the quality and aesthetic appeal of product output.
• Orders product needs based on projected meal counts.
• Assists with the preparation, service, and storage of food.
• Assists with the completion of required reports.
• Ensures work processes are completed at scheduled times.
• Ensures food products are properly prepared and attractively served.
• Oversees and directs sanitation procedures.
• Assists in training and identifying training needs of kitchen staff.
• Works with and understands a diverse student population.
• Serves as a positive role model.
• Ability to recognize a “reimbursable” meal.
• Supports excellent service initiatives with proactive efforts in service.
• Follows approved cafeteria menu preparation and service protocols within the approved timeline.
• Trains in all areas within the kitchen to cross cover as needed.
• Promotes customer service by providing appealing food and excellent customer service.
• Participates in the financial management process by carefully monitoring portion control, proper pricing, and safe storage of supplies and food.
• Must follow and maintain required food safety, cleaning, and sanitation procedures.
• Follows Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures.
• Must practice good personal hygiene habits.
• Demonstrates proficiency of the English language to read and communicate with others.
• Demonstrates proficiency of basic math skills (add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals).
• Ability to operate the food service equipment in a safe manner.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to receive and process verbal information as well as respond to nonverbal sounds.
• Successful completion of Douglas County Food Handler's Certification, scoring 80% or above, before attending Kitchen Assistant Training.
• Successful completion of Cook I and Production training and Kitchen Assistant Training.
• Ability to maintain current Douglas County Food Handler's Certification.

Additional Duties:
Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:

This position may require the ability to use a variety of office equipment including a computer and automated record-keeping software. This position may require the ability to use commercial kitchen equipment such as ovens, steamers, hot holding cabinets, blenders, food processors, mixers, slicers, can openers, peelers, knives, scales, and thermometers. Must always comply with OPS's guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Local travel will be required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Work in an office environment, school buildings, and warehouse setting.
• Ability to lift, move and reposition objects and materials-frequently exerting force equal to lifting fifty (50) pounds.

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day-to-day tasks.
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• For departments and/or schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Terms of Employment:

This position is treated as a classified full-time non-exempt position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

The offer of employment is contingent upon:

• Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for your position (e.g., Paraprofessionals obtaining “Highly Qualified status,” etc.), as identified.
• A thorough background check which demonstrates to OPS that background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.
• Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination to determine ability to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

Omaha public schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-###-####)

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-###-####.

Revised 9/7/2023