School cafeteria staff are vital to the school team. By feeding students a nutritious breakfast and lunch, they provide the fuel kids need to learn and grow.
Education & Testing
Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Valid Washington State Food Worker Card (also known as Food Handler’s Permit)
State/FBI background clearance
May be required for specific jobs
Valid Washington State driver’s license
Evidence of insurability
Sexual harassment training
Proof of immunization
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Necessary Knowledge
Speak English
Add and subtract numbers
Serve customers
Safely handle food and chemicals
Read and comprehend instructions
Accommodate food allergies
Desirable Knowledge
Speak more than one language
Perform first aid/CPR
Basic Skills
Read work-related information
Maintain student/staff confidentiality
Listen to others
Follow instructions
Keep records
Use point-of-sale (POS) software
Social Skills
Understand people’s reactions
Look for ways to help people
Verbal
Communicate orally and in writing
Listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
Notice when problems happen
Order or arrange things
Work independently following established guidelines
Physical Requirements
Lift and carry up to 50 lbs
Stoop/crouch
Reach/handle
See near/far
Desired Characteristics
Dependable
Concerned for others
Honest
Attentive to detail
Cooperative
Independent
Adaptable/flexible
Similar jobs
Fast-food worker
Cashier
Restaurant server
Military cook/cafeteria worker
Cafeteria worker
Grocery deli clerk
Pay
Range: $12.99 – $20.21 per hour
Median salary: $25,000/year
Most school food service positions are part-time (up to 6 hours per day) and 180 days per year.
Benefits
Benefits depend on the number of hours worked and the local union-negotiated agreement. They may include the following:
