Food Service Director (School Chef)

JOB DESCRIPTION AND EXPECTATIONS 

Food Service Director, 2026/2027 School Year

Classification: Regular, Exempt

Supervised by: Head of School or Designee

The Schoolhouse holds high professional and ethical standards for all of its employees. Employees are expected to embrace, model and embody the Schoolhouse mission and the 5 Core concepts that guide the institution. Employees strive for joyful, transformative learning that cultivates students' natural curiosity, critical thinking skills, and compassion for others. Employees respect children’s individual differences, nurture their capacity for growth, and are committed to authenticity in the activities that shape their learning. Employees collaborate with colleagues, community members and caregivers who are responsible for all aspects of the student’s school experience. 

Essential Job Functions

The employee will:

• design menu for hot lunch program, including planning for food sensitivities and allergies


• procure and prepare food to serve in the hot lunch program.


• serve school lunch and clean up the space.


• adhere to food safety and nutrition guidelines and interface with the Department of Health and other relevant regulatory agencies.


• manage the program budget and provide and accurate accounting of expenses  to the finance manager in a timely manner


• oversee the operation and upkeep of the kitchen space and equipment 


• plan curriculum to teach culinary skills for the Farm, Food, Forest program, as requested


• supervise staff who help with food preparation and cleanup.


• maintain instructions for lunch preparation that can be used in the event of an unplanned absence


• provide for a substitute chef and a meal plan in the event of a planned absence


• participate in planning and preparing food for school-wide events (upon request) including the Harvest Celebration, Opening Picnic, Closing Celebrations, etc.

Attendance and Availability

The employee will:

• work the number of academic and in-service days articulated in the official school calendar, as published annually by the Board, plus 5 or more non-holiday workdays before the first day of school and 5 non-holiday work days after the last day of school as assigned by the Head of School or her designee. 


• work according to the schedule determined by their supervisor or the Head of School, understanding that hours may change to meet the need of the SCHOOL or the employee.


• arrive at the school with enough time to prepare hot lunch at the appointed times and stay until the space is clean and orderly (by 2:00). 


• follow the established procedures for requesting and tracking PTO including
  
  
  
  • seeking approval in advance for planned days off and finding coverage for missed hours
  
  
  • notifying the appropriate member of the administrative leadership team of an unplanned absence due to illness or an emergency as soon as possible but no later than 7:15 am.
  
  
  
  


• attend the following (which may occur outside of normal school hours):
  
  
  
  • staff and team meetings
  
  
  • staff in-service training days
  
  
  • opening and closing school functions
  
  
  • professional development
  
  
  • other events or meetings as may be assigned from time to time
  
  
  
  

Professional Conduct

The employee will:

• respect the rights and dignity of all members of the Schoolhouse community - students, colleagues, and caregivers.


• afford colleagues, students and caregivers the opportunity to openly and honestly discuss concerns, differences and difficulties and seek meaningful resolution. Seek support from one’s supervisor if needed.


• model self disciplined and ethical behavior 


• be consistent and reliable 


• commit to ongoing professional growth and development including
  
  
  
  • establishing annual professional goals with their supervisor
  
  
  • participating in scheduled in-service meetings (or as requested by the Head of School). 
  
  
  • other professional development opportunities
  
  
  
  


• abide by policies outlined in the Schoolhouse Employee Handbook and Staff Policies and revised from time to time


• exhibit enthusiasm for the school and the opportunities it provides


• maintain a flexible and open attitude 


• limit personal business to non-school hours to the extent possible


• dress professionally and appropriately for their job duties

Other Expectations

The employee will:

• ensure student safety above all else and understand The Schoolhouse policies to ensure student and community safety


• follow, teach and practice established safety procedures


• ensure the proper use, maintenance and storage of school materials, equipment and property


• maintain  and renew CPR and First Aid certification


• ensure personnel file is complete including copies of:
  
  
  
  • signed contract
  
  
  • resume
  
  
  • teaching license (if applicable)
  
  
  • up to date CPR and First Aid certifications
  
  
  • information about professional development and training hours (outside of school-provided in-service training)
  
  
  
  


• perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Head of School.