Kitchen/Cafe Food Services Associate (SY 2025 - 2026)

Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School is American Montessori Society and Middle States Association-accredited from preschool through sixth grade.  Our program is centered on the writings and vision of Dr. Maria Montessori, providing a directed, best practices, project-based and inquiry-driven learning environment. The school’s guides, teachers, and staff live the school’s mission of providing a quality and ‘authentic Montessori education’. We are a community of  200+ student learners and staff located in the Brookland neighborhood (1240 Randolph St, NE) of Washington, DC.

Position Summary

The Cafe:The Kitchen/Cafe Services Associate ensures the smooth and efficient operation of the school kitchen for the ultimate health, comfort, and benefit of the students. This position requires maintaining an atmosphere of efficiency, cleanliness, and friendliness in which students are served nutritious meals. The Food Services Manager works under the supervision of the Chief of Operations and is responsible for ensuring compliance with all health, safety, and nutritional standards.

Essential Functions & Accountabilities

• Assist the Chief of Operations with menu planning, and managing the receipt of the catered meals from the vendor, and serving of all school meals


• Determine appropriate serving sizes based on age groups


• Manage and monitor all sanitation procedures in compliance with health codes


• Inspect kitchen and food preparation areas to ensure cleanliness and food safety


• Oversee the storage, temperature control, and care of food and supplies


• Record meals served (including milk/no milk) and report to assigned classrooms


• Report immediately to the Director of Operations any issues or accidents in the kitchen


• Monitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance or replacement needs


• Maintain inventory of food and kitchen supplies to ensure proper stock levels


• Support school events by coordinating food service for evening and weekend functions


• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Competencies & Qualifications

• Knowledge of safe food preparation techniques


• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions


• Current Food Handlers Certification required


• Familiarity with the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)


• Food Handlers license required. 


• Basic computer skills and keyboarding proficiency

Education and Experience

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required


• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a school or institutional food service setting


• Prior experience in food service management is required.

Working Conditions

The working environment includes regular physical activities such as standing, bending, kneeling, pushing, and lifting up to 40 lbs. The role also involves the use of standard kitchen and office equipment. Some evening hours and weekends are required to support school events.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with the position. Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School reserves the right to modify responsibilities based on the needs of the school.

Schedule:

• On campus from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily.


• Occasional evening and/or weekend hours for school events.

Compensation and Benefits

Shining Stars offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package to promote self-care and overall wellness, including employer-covered health insurance for employees, dental and vision insurance, free life and disability insurance, paid/sick/personal time, pre-tax flexible spending account, and 401 (k) retirement including employer match.
Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate as well as prior experience and education. This is a 12-month position. See for other salaries https://www.shiningstarspcs.org/apps/pages/Transparency

Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

This position is integral to the success of Shining Stars Montessori Academy and ensures a well-managed, welcoming, and efficient school environment for students, families, and staff. If you are detail-oriented, proactive, and passionate about supporting education, we encourage you to apply!