Food Service SubstituteA & Associates is seeking dependable and service-oriented Food Service Substitutes to support school cafeteria operations throughout the Ocala and Marion County area. Food Service Substitutes provide temporary coverage when regular cafeteria staff are unavailable. Assignments are offered on an as-needed, on-call basis, so weekly hours may vary and are not guaranteed. Workers may be assigned to different school locations depending on daily staffing needs. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who enjoy food service, working as part of a team, and supporting a positive school environment. Entry-level candidates are welcome, although previous food service, cafeteria, restaurant, kitchen, or related experience is helpful. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: Assist with preparing, cooking, and serving meals in a school cafeteria environment. Prepare foods including meats, vegetables, breads, salads, pastries, desserts, and other menu items. Portion and serve meals according to established food service procedures. Assist with food preparation and general kitchen operations. Clean and sanitize utensils, cookware, equipment, food-preparation areas, and work surfaces. Sweep and mop kitchen and cafeteria floors. Maintain clean, sanitary, and organized work areas. Follow established food safety, sanitation, hygiene, and cleanliness standards. Assist with setup, service, and cleanup before, during, and after meal periods. Safely operate cafeteria and kitchen equipment as directed. Follow instructions provided by the Food Service Manager or designated site supervisor. Support other cafeteria duties as needed to maintain efficient daily operations. The contract specifically identifies large-scale food preparation, serving, cleaning of utensils and equipment, mopping, sanitation, and general food service support as core functions of the position.
Minimum qualifications include:
Previous food service, cafeteria, kitchen, restaurant, hospitality, or similar experience preferred but not required.
Entry-level candidates who can successfully perform the duties of the position will be considered.
High school diploma or GED preferred but not required.
Ability to read, write, and perform basic math at a functional level.
Ability to understand and follow work instructions and directions in English.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Strong reliability, punctuality, and attendance.
Ability to follow food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.
Ability to accept direction from supervisors and adapt to different school cafeteria environments.
No ServSafe or similar food-safety certification is required for the assignment.
This is an on-call substitute position, and work is based on daily school staffing needs.
Monday through Friday.
School instructional days only.
Assignments may begin as early as 7:00 a.m.
Cafeteria operating hours extend through approximately 3:00 p.m.
Average assignments are approximately six hours.
No regular weekend work.
No regular holiday work.
Weekly hours will vary based on assignment availability.
There is no guaranteed minimum number of hours per week.
Employees should be comfortable receiving short-notice assignments and reporting promptly when they accept a shift.
The school system operates this as a substitute pool rather than a fixed weekly schedule, with no guaranteed minimum hours and a maximum of 40 hours per week.
Because employees will be working on school campuses, selected candidates must successfully complete all required pre-employment and site-clearance requirements before beginning an assignment.
Jessica Lunsford Act Level 2 background screening.
Fingerprinting and state/national criminal-history screening.
Required drug screening.
Employment eligibility verification through E-Verify.
Completion of required A & Associates onboarding documentation.
Receipt of the required school-system vendor badge before accessing school property.
All required screening and credentials must be completed before an employee may access school grounds.
Candidates must be able to:
Frequently lift, push, pull, or carry approximately 1025 pounds.
Occasionally lift, push, pull, or carry approximately 2050 pounds.
Stand and walk for extended periods.
Bend, squat, reach, and perform repetitive movements throughout the shift.
Work around commercial kitchen equipment, hot surfaces, sharp utensils, and wet floors.
Perform physically active food service and cleaning duties throughout the assignment.
The role involves commercial-kitchen hazards and repetitive physical activity, including bending and squatting.
Employees are expected to report to each assignment in the required dress code, which includes:
Black pants.
Golf-style, tennis-style, or button-down shirt.
Black nonslip work shoes.
Hair pulled back and properly restrained.
No artificial nails or artificial eyelashes.
No loose jewelry; limited jewelry may be permitted under site guidelines.
Additional food-service PPE, including items such as gloves and aprons, will be provided at the assigned cafeteria when required.
Because this position provides substitute coverage for school cafeterias, dependability and punctuality are essential.
Arrive at the assigned school on time and ready to work.
Complete the scheduled shift.
Notify A & Associates immediately if an emergency prevents them from reporting.
Maintain reliable transportation to assigned school locations.
Communicate promptly regarding availability and assignment acceptance.
Employees are responsible for transportation to their assigned work location, and travel time is not paid.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Dependability and punctuality.
Positive attitude and willingness to help.
Strong work ethic.
Ability to follow instructions.
Good sanitation and cleanliness habits.
Comfort working in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Flexibility to work at different school locations.
Ability to accept occasional short-notice assignments.
Professional conduct when working around students, school employees, and other staff.
Pay Rate:
$15.00 per hour. This is a temporary, on-call position. Hours are based on school staffing needs and are not guaranteed. A & Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. A & Associates "Quality In Everything We Do."
