Job Description:

Job Title: Food Service Director

Location: Canistota School District 43-1 Canistota, SD

Job Type: Full-Time

Pay rate: Commensurate with experience and district guidelines

• $20.00 per hour. Pay rate could increase depending on experience and qualifications, in accordance with the district pay schedule.

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement plans.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Position Overview

The Food Service Director oversees the school district's food service program, ensuring nutritious, high-quality, and cost-effective meals that meet USDA and state regulations. This role involves supervising staff, managing budgets, ensuring food safety standards, and promoting healthy eating habits among students and staff.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management

• Plan, implement, and oversee the district's food service program to meet the nutritional needs of students and staff.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including USDA Child Nutrition Program (CNP) guidelines.

• Develop menus that meet nutritional standards and accommodate special dietary needs when required.

• Implements a district-wide customer service driven philosophy that focuses on value and satisfaction.

• Provinces technical assistance and training for school food service personnel, school administrators, and other school support staff.

Financial Management

• Establishes measurable financial objectives and goals for the CNP.

• Implements efficient management techniques to ensure all records and supporting documentation are maintained in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.

• Purchase food, supplies, and equipment, negotiating contracts and maintaining cost-efficiency.

Staff Supervision

• Recruit, train, and supervise food service staff.

• Conduct performance evaluations and provide professional development opportunities.

• Schedule staff to ensure adequate coverage during meal preparation and service.

Food Safety and Quality Control

• Establish and maintain standards for food safety, sanitation, and storage.

• Conduct routine inspections of food preparation and storage areas to ensure compliance with health regulations.

• Respond to and resolve issues related to food quality or service.

Community and Student Engagement

• Promote the food service program through outreach, communication, and events.

• Collaborate with students, staff, and parents to encourage participation and feedback.

• Support nutrition education initiatives in collaboration with teachers and administrators.

Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate records, including inventory, meal counts, and employee certifications.

• Develop policies and procedures for food service operations.

• Attend school board meetings and prepare reports as required.

Marketing

•  Develops a marketing plan to attract students, parents, teachers,  administrators, support staff, and community.

•  Conducts an on-going evaluation of the marketing plan.

•  Communicates program information to encourage and secure support for the school food and nutrition program from the Board of Education, administrators, faculty, students, parents, and community.

• Implements a plan for providing foodservice for special functions consistent with Board of Education policies.

Computer Technology

• Implements management information systems that increase the productivity and efficiency of the school food and nutrition operation.

• Trains staff to use computer technology in individual school sites to improve management techniques.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Service Management, or related field preferred.

• Experience:

  • Previous experience in food service management, preferably in a school or institutional setting.

  • Knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Program (CNP) regulations.

• Skills:

  • Strong leadership and organizational skills.

  • Ability to manage budgets and analyze financial reports.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

• Certifications:

  • ServSafe Certification or equivalent food safety training required.

  • South Dakota school nutrition training preferred.

How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, application, and three professional letters of reference. The link to the Canistota School District application is below:

• Canistota School District Application

• The required application documents can be emailed to zach.campbell@k12.sd.us. If you have questions call 605-296-3458.

Canistota School District is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion, or background.