A school district in Denver, Iowa is looking for an outstanding individual to join their kitchen team to prepare and serve nutritious lunches for students and staff. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working in a fast paced food service environment, has a passion for child nutrition, and takes pride in serving meals that help young learners stay focused and energized. You will be responsible for assisting with meal preparation, portioning food, maintaining clean serving areas, and ensuring that all health and safety standards are met. If you are reliable, friendly, and comfortable working with kitchen equipment and food handling procedures, this full time or part time position offers competitive hourly pay aligned with Iowa school food service wages, a supportive team environment, and the satisfaction of contributing to student wellbeing. The primary keyword kitchen worker appears naturally here because that is exactly who we need.
About the School
Denver Community School District is located in Denver, Iowa, a small town known for its strong community values and commitment to education. The district serves students from preschool through high school, providing a safe and nurturing environment where every child can succeed. The school nutrition program is an essential part of student health and academic performance. The district values employees who are dedicated, hardworking, and caring. They offer a supportive workplace where kitchen staff are respected as vital members of the educational team. The position is based in the school kitchen, with regular hours aligned to the school calendar.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and serve lunches to students and staff according to established menus and portion sizes.
- Assist with basic food preparation including washing, chopping, mixing, and cooking ingredients as directed.
- Maintain cleanliness of kitchen and serving areas, including washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, and sweeping floors.
- Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines, including proper storage of perishable items and temperature monitoring.
- Stock serving lines with utensils, trays, condiments, and beverages before each meal period.
- Help with inventory management by notifying supervisors when supplies are running low.
- Work cooperatively with other kitchen staff to ensure smooth and efficient meal service within scheduled timeframes.
What You Need to Qualify
No formal degree is required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. Previous experience in food service, cafeteria, or restaurant work is an advantage but not mandatory as training will be provided. You must be physically fit to stand for extended periods, lift up to 25 pounds, and perform repetitive tasks. A friendly and patient demeanor when interacting with children is essential. You must be reliable, punctual, and able to follow instructions from the kitchen manager. A food handler’s certificate is preferred but can be obtained after hire. You must be authorized to work in the United States and able to pass a background check as required by Iowa school regulations. Flexibility to work during school hours, typically mid morning to early afternoon, is required.
Salary and Benefits
The hourly rate for this Kitchen Lunch Preparation and Service Worker position ranges from 14 to 17 US dollars per hour based on experience, which aligns with current market rates for school food service workers in rural Iowa. This position may be full time or part time depending on school needs. Benefits may include paid sick leave, holiday pay during school breaks, and access to school district retirement plans for eligible employees. You will work a consistent schedule that follows the school calendar, giving you summers and major holidays off. Training on food safety and kitchen equipment is provided. A supportive team environment and the opportunity to make a positive impact on children’s lives are key rewards of this role.
How to Apply
To apply for this kitchen position, contact Kendra at [email protected] or apply through TeachIowa. Submit a brief introduction of your experience and availability. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. If you enjoy cooking, serving others, and want to be part of a school community, do not wait. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.