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2026-27 Substitute Food Service Employee
Career Insights for Busser / Banquet Worker / Cafeteria Attendant
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What they do
A Busser, Banquet Worker, or Cafeteria Attendant assists with food service at a restaurant, large banquet hall or cafeteria. Removes used dishes, sets tables with clean dishes and linens, replenishes foods served at food stations or buffet tables, and provides water, coffee or other beverages for patrons.
$31,281 / year median in Iowa
+3% projected growth
Job Description
2026-27 Substitute Food Service Employee
Saydel Community School District
District Wide - Des Moines, Iowa This job is also posted in TeachIowa, Iowa's Marketplace for education jobs
Job Details
Job ID:
5898141
Application Deadline:
May 18, 2027 11:59 PM (UTC)
Posted:
Aug 22, 2026 1:01 PM (UTC)
Job Description
TITLE:
Substitute Food Service Employee
BASIC FUNCTION
Aide in preparing, cooking and serving a variety of foods in quantity at an assigned school site; assist in other food preparation duties as directed; maintain facilities in a clean and sanitary condition.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities
REPORTS TO
Kitchen Manager
RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
Assist in preparing and cooking meat dishes, vegetables and other main dishes; prepare salads, sandwiches, fruit, soups, sauces and other foods.
Maintain food quality standards including appearance, and nutritional requirements.
Monitor temperatures of food to assure safety and quality standards are met; monitor water temperatures to assure proper temperature for sanitizing.
Serve food according to established guidelines and replenish serving containers as needed; serve and sell lunch items to faculty.
Clean cafeteria equipment, utensils and appliances and store food supplies; assure compliance with kitchen sanitation and safety procedures and regulations; clean refrigerators and storerooms as required.
Assist in storing unused food and supplies; dispose of unusable leftovers; utilize proper methods of handling foods to be stored.
Operate a variety of standard kitchen utensils and equipment including mixer, steamer, dishwasher, electric warmer, range, oven, cash register and other cafeteria equipment as required.
Records amounts of food sold and money collected as assigned; assist with inventory and maintain routine records as directed.
Assist in stocking and ordering of a la carte items as needed.
Assist in other food service areas as needed; collect money and make correct change.
Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE OF
Principles and methods of quantity food service preparation, serving and storage.
Sanitation and safety practices related to handling, cooking, baking and serving food.
Methods of preparing and serving food in large quantities.
Methods of adjusting and extending recipes and proper substitutions.
Proper methods and/or storing equipment, materials and supplies.
Standard kitchen equipment, utensils and measurements.
Health and safety regulations.
Basic record-keeping techniques.
Basic math and cashiering skills.
ABILITY TO
Prepare and serve food in accordance with health and sanitation regulations.
Operate a computer terminal as required
Operate and maintain standard machines and equipment found in school cafeterias and kitchens.
Assist in preparing attractive, appetizing and nutritious meals for students and staff.
Follow, adjust and extend recipes as needed.
Follow instructions and respond to supervisor direction and take responsibility for own actions.
Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality when dealing with student, staff and/or parent information.
Meet challenges with resourcefulness and generate suggestions for improving work.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Read and write at a level required for successful job performance.
Maintain routine records.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Observe health and safety regulations.
Ability to lift no more than 30 pounds by self on a regular basis.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
High School Diploma or G.E.D.
One year experience in school food service preferred.
District trainings are required.
Successful completion of criminal background investigation.
If you have questions, please contact Eric Green at greeneric@saydel.net.
Position Type:
Full-time