Food Service Technician

The Food Service Department of the Aspen School District seeks a Food Service Technician

Position Title: Food Service Technician

Department: Aspen School District  Food Service Department

Reports to: Food Service Director

Classification: Classified Full-time Non-exempt

Contract Period: 9 Month (178 days with some variance depending on the year) 

Hours of work: 6:30 am to 2:30 pm (8 hours per day)

Compensation: 2024-25 ESP Schedule

ASD offers district-funded employee and dependent health benefits including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance to benefit-eligible employees. Other benefits include (as eligible): paid leave, CO PERA (pension plan) enrollment with district contribution, TSA options, free transportation for employees from Carbondale to Aspen, employee assistance program, wellness program (can be used for highly reduced or free ski pass), and supplemental insurance (i.e. cancer, disability, etc).

Position Summary

The Food Service Technician position prepares all items needed for daily food service for Aspen School District Food Service Department (Aspen Elementary, Aspen Middle, and Aspen High School) focusing on technique, speed, quality, presentation, and cleanliness while assisting kitchen staff to maintain the high nutrition offered to the students of the Aspen School District. Additionally, having the ability to operate the cash register and prepare an accounting of daily receipts.

Position Responsibilities

Food Service Technician Responsibilities:

Cooking/Prep/Dishwasher:

• Read and understand food orders from the Food Service Director becoming familiar with the recipes so food can be prepared quickly and efficiently.
• Set up and make sure all supplies are stocked for the day’s production.
• Prepare and cook foods according to proper sanitation methods.
• Understand and safely use commercial kitchen equipment, enforcing health and safety standards.
• Understand the Food Service Programs’ commitment to the health and wellbeing of our students.
• Be willing and flexible to be trained and work at either schools; AES, AMS, or AHS.
• Recognize and make changes as needed, whether sudden or permanent  changes, in a busy environment
• Perform any job required in the kitchen, including but not limited to food prep, food presentation, setting up salad bars, serving, moving/transporting containers of food, laundry, commercial dishwasher and cleaning for efficiency of production

Cashier: 

• Operate the cash register/Computer system. Ensures that money is exchanged correctly.
• Use the list provided by the food services director to verify free/reduced-cost meals.
• Maintain accurate records and accounting for all lunches, submitting reports on time.
• Prepare bank deposits.
• Follow all health department rules and regulations.
• Maintain the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Take precautions to ensure student safety. Report suspicious circumstances immediately.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional growth activities as directed.
• Accept responsibility for work-related decisions and conduct. · Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.
• Set up and check that all supplies are stocked for the day’s production.
• Assist in the handling of foods according to proper sanitation methods.
• Understand and safely use commercial kitchen equipment, enforcing health and safety standards.
• Understand the Aspen School District Food Service Program’s commitment to the health and well-being of students and staff
• Be willing and flexible to be trained and work at any of the District schools; AES, AMS, or AHS.
• Recognize and make changes as needed, whether sudden or permanent  changes, in a busy environment
• Uphold board policies and follow administrative procedures.
• Support community partnerships that enhance district programs.
• Perform any job required in the kitchen, including but not limited to food prep, food presentation, setting up salad bars, serving, moving/transporting containers of food, laundry, and cleaning for efficiency of production

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of:
• Various materials, tools, equipment and methods including application, function and operation as required by the job
• Knowledge of food preparation, food presentation, nutrition, service, organization, storage, commercial dishwasher and sanitation principles. 
• Application of energy efficiency and conservation practices in the performance of duties
• Basic computer knowledge and financial accounting skills. 
• Professional communication norms and standards (written and oral)
• Principles and procedures of record-keeping
• Ability to:
• Be creative
• Be prompt in reporting to work and working assigned hours each day
• Work all Mondays is expected
• Demonstrate professionalism.
• Carry out prescribed activities efficiently with limited supervision.
• React professionally to interruptions and changing conditions.
• Maintain a high level of cleanliness within the kitchen, including personal hygiene, in the kitchen
• Work at a fast pace with quality, accuracy, and safety
• Communicate effectively using strong verbal, listening, and writing skills
• Due to the safety requirements of this position, candidates must be able to communicate and understand English clearly, bilingual Spanish is a plus.
• Work cooperatively and in a positive manner with managers, other kitchen workers, students, and teachers.
• Be friendly and courteous with students and staff.
• Observe all district policies and procedures

Minimum Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent
• 1 year of related job experience 
• English language proficiency - conversational
• Servsafe Certificate preferred and required to obtain within 1 year of hire
• First Aid Certificate preferred and required to obtain within 6 months of hire

Preferred Qualifications 

• 3 years or more experience in food service.
• Spanish bilingual

 Work Environment

• Kitchen conditions and temperatures
• Exposure to air-borne particulates, chemical and cleaning irritants, equipment vibrations, noises, and odors
• Exposure to wet and/or slippery surfaces

Essential Physical Requirements

• Physical: Balancing, bending, climbing, crouching, kneeling, reaching, standing, lifting & carrying (up to 50 pounds), operation and moving of work-related supplies/equipment, sitting.

Acknowledgment

The successful candidate will be required to follow any instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the Director. The Aspen School District reserves the right to update, revise, or change the job description and related duties at any time. 

Updated: October 2024

Salary : $22 - $27