Dietary Aide

Join the City of Chattanooga Team

Chattanooga, a vibrant and growing community of over 190,000 residents within a metropolitan area of nearly 600,000 is known as the "Scenic City" for a reason. Nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, we are a hub of outdoor adventure and innovation. Home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Chattanooga State Community College

Our Organization

2,600 employees committed to excellence in public service and making Chattanooga the best community in the country. Our team ensures our city thrives through a wide range of municipal services, including:

• Public Safety: Chattanooga Police and Fire Departments.
• Infrastructure & Utilities: Public Works, Waste Resources, and specialized Stormwater management.
• Quality of Life: Award-winning Parks and Outdoors and Community Development systems and the Chattanooga Public Library.
• Transportation: The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and citywide transit and pedestrian friendly initiatives.
• Innovation: Leading-edge  smart-city programs with a commitment to cutting edge workforce development policies to ensure all our residents can get ahead.

Why Choose Chattanooga?

The City of Chattanooga’s workforce is the heartbeat of our community. We don't just offer jobs; we offer careers with purpose: making Chattanooga the best city in America. We are committed to being the premier employer of choice in Southeast Tennessee by providing:

• Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck, featuring a centralized health clinic and pharmacy for all City employees. .
• Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.
• ​The Great Outdoors: Your Backyard Playground:  Chattanooga isn't just near nature, it's immersed in it.  As one of the most biodiverse cities in North America, the "Scenic City" offers an ecological richness that few places on earth can claim.  Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a weekend wanderer, world-class adventure is always less than an hour away.
• ​Vertical Adventures: Scale legendary sandstone cliffs in what is widely considered the premier rock climbing hub of the Southeast.
• Water & Rapids: From the high-octane whitewater kayaking of the Ocoee River to world-class bass fishing and peaceful paddling on the Tennessee River.
• Trails for Miles: Explore a massive network of mountain biking and hiking trails that wind through lush ridges, hidden waterfalls, and deep river gorges.

In Chattanooga, "work-life balance" means you can finish your shift and be at a trailhead or on the water before the sun sets.

Our mission is to work together to build a safe, vibrant, and sustainable city for all Chattanoogans. To do that, it takes a team of skilled and passionate individuals. So, if you’d like to call Chattanooga home – or maybe you already do! – and want to further your career through meaningful work that makes a true impact where you live, we’d love to talk to you.

Salary: $17/hour

FLSA Status: This is a non-exempt, part-time position. 

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 2:30 pm

This position works on an as needed/on-call basis. Schedules may vary due to work assignments and projects.

Department: Early Learning

Location: This position supports one of the Head Start/Early Head Start Campuses: James A Henry (1241 Grove St), Avondale (2302 Ocoee St), Cedar Hill (4701 Divine Ave), or Daisy (9531 Ridge Trail Rd, Soddy Daisy).

SUMMARY:
Chattanooga Head Start is a grant-funded program and is subject to reapplication every 5 years.
The Dietary Aide Sub assists full-time Dietary staff to provide meals to meet the needs of the Head Start and Early Head Start children. Duties include preparing and serving food according to the planned cycle menu and assisting with cleaning and other kitchen-related tasks. This position is scheduled on an as-needed basis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. 

Food Preparation:
Assist with preparing and portioning meals and snacks according to planned menus and standardized recipes. This includes washing, cutting, and preparing fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients.

Meal Service:
Help set up for meal times and transport food from the kitchen to the classrooms in a timely and safe manner.

Ensure accurate meal counts are recorded for each classroom.

Safety and Sanitation:
Adhere strictly to all health, safety, and sanitation guidelines.

Wash and sanitize dishes, utensils, pots, and pans. Clean and maintain kitchen equipment and work areas, including counters, floors, and storage spaces.

Inventory and Stocking:
Assist with receiving and stocking food and supply deliveries.

Help maintain an organized inventory in refrigerators, freezers, and dry storage areas.

Team Collaboration:
Work cooperatively with the staff to ensure smooth and efficient meal service that meets the needs of the children, including any special dietary modifications or allergies.

Compliance:
Follow all Head Start Program Performance Standards and USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations regarding food safety and meal components.

Assist with maintaining a passing score for Health Department Inspections and State Licensure for Child Care.

Demonstrates work habits that comply with agency personnel policies and procedures.

Demonstrates reliability when scheduled to work.

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High School or GED or equivalent. 
Prior food service and handling experience preferred.
ServSafe certification preferred.
Any combination of equivalent experience and education to perform the essential functions of the position will be considered. 

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS: None.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of:
Food service preparation
Food service safety

Skills in:
Must be able to read and comprehend all required paperwork.
Must be dependable, able to work together as a member of a team.
Must be able to take direction and follow safety procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Positions in this class typically require: walking, standing, reaching, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, and repetitive motions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. 

This position is classified as Medium Work in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, which require all staff—regardless of job function—to support the health and safety of children. This may include the direct supervision of children and/or the ability to respond promptly and effectively during emergencies at a Head Start center.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Safety Sensitive: N 
Department of Transportation - CDL: N
Child Sensitive: Y

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
This position is subject to pre-employment screenings, which include a background check, drug screening, lift test, TB screening questionnaire and/or TB skin test (as determined by initial results), complete physical examination, Hepatitis B titer, and fingerprinting. Ongoing requirements include a physical reexamination on an annual or bi-annual basis and fingerprint clearance every five years.

The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer
 

KNV 8/12/2026

KJF