Lead Cafe Aide

Grow Academy

Lead Café Aide (Full Time)

Deadline to Apply: March 28th, 2025 by 4:30pm

Reports to: Executive Chef/Sous Chef 

Position Summary: 

Under supervision of Executive Chef or Sous Chef, the Cafe Lead oversees a variety of duties related to food preparation, service, and general maintenance in the kitchen and dining area. They lead by example to ensure all Cafe Aides are on task and the Cafe is functioning efficiently. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Proficient in a variety of cooking techniques, such as sautéing, grilling, baking, roasting, steaming, and boiling for large batch cooking.


• Prepare, cook, bake and serve a variety of large quantities of food efficiently and effectively under time constraints in a fast-paced environment.


• Work independently with minimal direction and supervision.


• Maintain accurate records of inventory, meal counts, and production logs with an understanding of mathematical calculation with speed and accuracy.


• Oversee, coordinate, and assist in preparation of meal services.


• Accurately compute and estimate food quantities needed.


• Supervise and manage daily kitchen operations, ensuring that meals are prepared, served, and stored according to safety and nutritional standards.


• Oversee food preparation and cooking, ensuring that all meals are made on time, meet quality standards, and follow the approved menu.


• Ensure the timely delivery of meals to designated areas (cafe, breakfast in the classroom, field trips, snacks, etc.).


• Monitor food storage, including refrigerator and freezer temperatures, inventory control, and food rotation procedures (FIFO: First In, First Out).


• Manage kitchen staff  ensuring efficient delegation of tasks and responsibilities


• Train, supervise, and lead employees, providing guidance and support to improve performance, promote teamwork, and enhance skills.


• Responsible for proper instruction of safety procedures on all kitchen equipment.


• Ensure compliance with dietary restrictions and food allergies by preparing alternative options when necessary. Supervise the preparation of special dietary meals.


• Oversee sanitation and cleanliness in the kitchen and dining areas, including regular deep cleaning and routine checks.


• Conduct food safety audits, ensuring all kitchen equipment is in good working order and that health inspections pass without issues.


• Maintain accurate records, including meal counts, inventory, food safety logs, and other required documentation for federal and state programs.


• Attends training and in-service sessions as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards and sanitation practices (e.g., HACCP, USDA guidelines).


• Strong understanding of federal and state nutritional guidelines, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and other child nutrition programs.


• Knowledge of common food allergens (e.g., peanuts, dairy, gluten, shellfish) and the ability to prepare meals that are safe for students with allergies.

• Ability to follow standardized recipes and portion sizes to ensure meals are consistent, nutritious, and meet dietary guidelines.


• Ability to follow, adjust, and extend recipes and make proper substitutions as needed.


• Ability to use tact, discretion, and courtesy in dealing with sensitive situations.


• Ability to work with custodial and maintenance staff in proper maintenance and operation of kitchen equipment.


• Ability to maintain and respect confidentiality of office information.


• Ability to complete work with many interruptions with other related duties as assigned.


• Ability to delegate and prioritize a team ensuring each team member understands their responsibilities.

Required Education and Experience:

• Minimum of two years experience in food service


• Basic computer skills required


• Read at a level sufficient to perform assigned duties

Licenses and Certification:

• ServSafe Manager’s Certificate preferred

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Flexibility on work hours


• Ability to stand, stoop, reach, and bend. 


• Exhibit full range of motion for shoulder external and internal rotation. 


• Mobility of arms to reach, dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate large and small objects.


• Ability to stand for long periods and walk long distances.


• Ability to lift, push and/or pull objects (up to approximately 20-50 pounds).


• Ability to work with and in the proximity of equipment with moving mechanical parts.


• Ability to work outdoors in a physically demanding environment.


• Ability to work around loud noise.


• Ability to read small print.


• Ability to work with cleaning solutions, disinfectants, and sanitizers in a safe and effective manner without allergic reactions.

• Ability to demonstrate patience and willingness to work in a school environment.

Salary:
Grow Academy offers competitive compensation based on background and experience.

Deadline to Apply: March 28th, 2025 by 4:30pm